Another year, another paint night fundraiser for Julianna's Works of HeART

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The nonprofit, Julianna’s Works of HeART Foundation, spearheaded by 12-year-old Julianna Tand, is holding its third annual Paint Night Nov. 1 to support Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Julianna is a seventh grade student at Merrick Avenue Middle School — and she already has accrued 6 years of experience as a fundraiser.

She started her artistic journey at the age of 6  when she crafted clay figures for her grandparents’ anniversary. “I wanted to make my grandparents more than just a card for their anniversary,” she explained.

Using her mom, Jennifer’s, sculpting clay, Julianna made a set of figures recreating her grandparents’ wedding, which she unveiled at the restaurant they were celebrating — which led to a much larger reaction than expected.

“My mom posted it on Facebook, and everybody in the comments was like: ‘I love that, can I get one?’” Julianna said. “I couldn’t say no, and I decided to turn it into business.”

Her endeavors are rooted in charity, however. Her nonprofit — the Julianna’s Works of HeART Foundation — has expanded operations to create other artistic merchandise. The foundation has raised over $33,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities with 100 percent of proceeds going to the good cause.

“We are an organization that supports families holistically when their child is in the hospital,” said Cassandra Basile, director of marketing and public relations for Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro. “We provide overnight accommodations, meals, laundry services, ample playrooms and common spaces for families to relax and recharge so that they can focus on the health and well-being of their child.”

Julianna is motivated to serve the community for a simple reason: People need help.

“It was inspiring to see that, at 6, she had this drive in her, and it was purely innate,” her mom, Jennifer said. “Nobody told her that she had to do this.”

“I love it when I am able to provide a meal for the families at the Ronald McDonald House,” Julianna said. “I just imagine all these little kids smiling because they got a free meal, or that their parents don’t have to worry about getting lunch or housing.”

In addition to helping people in need, the upcoming fundraiser helps young people get a head-start on extracurricular programs.

“It’s nice to see kids off their phones and doing community service together,” Jennifer said. “My kids are at the age now where, when their friends come this year, they can earn hours for community service for Honor Society, confirmation or for sports.”

The Ronald McDonald facility on Long Island is in New Hyde Park, and celebrated Julianna’s efforts by naming a room after her — and any patient who stays in the room will have their costs covered by the money her foundation raised.

“It’s amazing, and I’m super grateful for that,” Julianna said.

The annual Paint Night is brought together in collaboration with Julianna, her mother and her grandmother, Debbie Viola, and it is one of the largest fundraising events the foundation runs each year. The Paint Night features a class taught by Viola, raffles, and other prizes.

“It’s like a family team building activity,” Jennifer said. “For the months of September and October, leading up to it — we eat, sleep, breathe, Paint Night and Ronald McDonald House.”

Viola is a painter and wanted to help Julianna with her efforts.

“My grandma had the idea to collaborate, since she’s an artist,” Julianna said. “She was kind enough to donate her time to teach at the event about how to paint.”

Viola has experience as both a fundraiser and an art instructor, bringing unique expertise that has made Paint Night such a success. “Over the years, I’ve donated over $20,000 worth of paintings to various causes to help raise money,” Viola said.

Viola said she’s found great joy in witnessing her granddaughter’s achievements grow exponentially over the last several years.

“It’s really been unbelievable watching what she accomplishes,” Viola said. “She went from a couple of hundred dollars (raised) the first year, to several hundred the next year, and then thousands upon thousands.”

Julianna’s success should be a lesson to everyone, according to Viola. “If you really thought about it, you could probably do something great too — that’s a really powerful message,” she said.

“I’ve learned little by little, a little becomes a lot,” Julianna said. “One kid can make a difference.”

The fundraising Paint Night is scheduled for Nov. 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Church cafeteria, at 720 Merrick Ave., North Merrick. To learn more about the event and how to get involved, follow Julianna’s Works of HeART on Facebook.