Christian Vandehaar
Art Instructor, Bondurant-Farrar High School

Under the direction of Christian Vandehaar, Bondurant-Farrar High School art teacher, and with the support of the Community Foundation of Great Des Moines, these six students were selected to create this year’s National Philanthropy Day awards. Each piece is inspired by and embodies the philanthropic spirit of the recipient. This marks the fifth year Mr. Vandehaar’s students have created the artwork to celebrate philanthropy in the community, carrying on an over 20 year tradition. Thank you to Mr. Vandehaar and the students for providing such beautiful and unique pieces for this year’s celebration!

 

Student Awards

Abigail O'Connor

Outstanding Large Corporate/Foundation Philanthropy: EMC Insurance Foundation

I created this painting to celebrate EMC Insurance Foundation’s support of Orchard Place. EMC helped raise $500,000 for new training and hosted a gift drive providing over 350 gifts to local children and families. The tree symbolizes EMC’s growth, with its roots representing the company's foundation. At the center stands a small figure from the Orchard Place logo, highlighting EMC’s support for the organization. The vibrant leaves reflect core values—integrity, trust, relationships, inclusion, and resilience—each color symbolizing a principle. All colors represent additional key values. Up close, viewers will notice other trees in the background, but when they step back, the EMC tree shines the brightest, symbolizing its impact and leadership.

Mae Juhl

Outstanding Small Corporate/Foundation Philanthropy: Merchants Bonding Company

I created this piece as a celebration of the different types and styles of shoes that children wear, as well as the unique needs they have. By using a collection of worn-in and diverse shoes, I aimed to illustrate that every child is on their own unique journey, yet they are united by the shoes. It is created in colored pencil for a bright, youthful appearance. All of these shoes are stepping forward to represent the positive steps that Merchants Bonding Company has taken to help guide the community, especially children, on their path.

Maddison Martin

Outstanding Individual Philanthropists: Nix and Virginia Lauridsen

Nix and Virginia Lauridsen have had such a widespread impact on Des Moines, and I wanted to reflect their legacy. Each part of my project signifies an area of major contribution: the creation of the Lauridsen Skatepark, which hosted an Olympic qualifying event in 2021; contributions to the Des Moines Symphony and Des Moines Metro Opera that support performances and guest artists; donations to Ballet Des Moines that aided in artist workspaces and provided leadership; leadership in funding for Hope Ministries’ Steve Lankford Campus, which supplies services for women and mothers in need; aid for the Des Moines Art Center, broadening educational opportunities; and a commitment to Meals on Wheels, providing meals and connection to older adults. The styles and colors of my project demonstrate the variation of humanity and how we are brought together by culture and support from each other. Thank you, and congratulations to the Lauridsens, extraordinary facilitators of connection.

Claire Thompson

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Emily Webb

I created this piece with the intention of focusing on one key aspect of Emily Webb's accomplishments, but found that I couldn’t. Emily has gone above and beyond for her community, and I felt the need to showcase that in this piece. Each weave of rope represents the running Emily has done to represent her community. The symbols from each organization show her compassion for helping others and the love she clearly has for each one. Emily's faith is unwavering, and to honor this, I decided to make the cross in the painting more subtle. The subtle cross represents that her faith is in every piece of her life. It may not be the standout piece, but it’s continuous and steadfast. Emily Webb’s consistent dedication to the causes she’s put her life's work into is an inspiration, making her worthy of the National Philanthropy Day award.

Osiris Castro-Escareno

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Mark Vukovich

I had the honor of making a piece for Mark Vukovich, an outstanding individual who has put so much care and effort towards disabled children and children in need. I based my art on a part of his answer when asked what his most memorable and fulfilling philanthropic experience was: “watching a wheelchair-bound child see the lions for the first time.” On the canvas is that wheelchair-bound child seeing that lion as they share a moment between them. I really wanted there to be a connection between the two of them. The best thing about this project was knowing that my piece of art mattered and that there’s a chance to give back even a little bit to those who gave so much to those in need.

Johannah Crist

Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy: Jacob Forney

I created this piece to recognize what Jacob Forney donated to the Blank Children’s Hospital. The young boy playing the ukulele represents Jacob’s beginning and the purpose behind his infamous “Jacob’s Jams.” The open ukulele case on the ground with a tip jar beside it demonstrates where Jacob was able to raise money, along with many others. Next to this is a sign that could often be found displayed near his spot, describing what the money was going towards. The background is the outside of the Blank Children’s Hospital, and in the windows are symbols created by Jacob that can also be found in the sign.