Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

Rev. 10/07/04

NEWS RELEASE
ARHS Senior Dedicated to Making a
Difference in Children's Lives

Ashley Vargus, an Auburn Riverside High School senior, is dedicated to making a difference in children’s lives.  It is Ashley's goal to provide art, cards, and letters to as many sick children in and outside of Washington State as possible.  She started painting for children some time ago and last year formed Heart to Art, a nonprofit organization to create custom art for ill children.

Ashley began to realize the need was so great to complete a single piece herself was so demanding that she needed to turn things out on a greater scale.  She contacted USA Weekend’s Make a Difference Day headquarters and was added to their data bank for volunteers and volunteer opportunities.  There are eight places in Washington State to volunteer on Make a Difference Day, Saturday, October 23. Heart to Art is listed as one of those volunteer opportunities.

Ashley is requesting volunteers to create, package, and deliver art, cards, and letters.  North Tapps Middle School in Dieringer School District has over 100 pieces of art customized to specific ill children’s tastes.  Annie Wright School in Tacoma is also involved. Auburn Riverside High School’s Key club has pledged involvement as have many other Auburn Riverside High School students.  Ashley’s hope is that many students from Auburn as well as other districts and adults state-wide will take part in this project.  By creating one card, letter, place card or piece of art, individuals can and will make a difference.  For more information, contact www.hearttoart.org or email Ashley@HearttoArt.org.