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Mostly Cloudy 'Julianna's Works of HeART' to host second charity paint night
Julianna Tand has been working hard her whole life to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, helping countless children and families that benefit from its services in the New York metropolitan area.
Perhaps what makes her deeds so extraordinary is that she’s only 11. Julianna, a sixth-grader at Old Mill Road School in the North Merrick School District, has raised tens of thousands of dollars throughout the years, mostly through something she’s passionate about: art.
Now, her certified nonprofit, Julianna’s Works of HeART, is set to host its second annual paint night fundraiser next month at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in North Merrick.
Julianna began volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which operates a home in New Hyde Park, near Cohen Children’s Medical Center, when she was in kindergarten, participating in a baking program. Volunteers would make food for families, using all their own supplies.
Ronald McDonald House Charities is a national nonprofit that helps family and children in times of need, when they are undergoing treatments at hospitals.
When the coronavirus pandemic shut the program down, Julianna sought other ways to help. She began selling clay creations — everything from figurines to shadowboxes to jewelry, for just $10 apiece. She also auctioned off some items, including once raising $3,100 for just one piece of artwork.
Her efforts evolved into what they are today. Over the last few weeks, Julianna has been hitting both the Bellmore and Merrick towns, walking up and down Merrick Avenue and Bedford Avenue, stopping into businesses and asking for donations — things that can be raffled off, given out as door prizes or added to raffle baskets.
Julianna said most businesses have been extremely receptive to her efforts, willing to donate gift cards, money and products.
Her mom, Jennifer Tand, said that because the charity is now a certified nonprofit, it has really helped them get donations, outside of local businesses.
“Other places she’s been emailing,” Jennifer Tand said. “Having 501(c)(3) (tax-exempt) status has really helped.”
Julianna’s paint night last year raised more than $6,000, and she’s hoping this year to come close to that again, or even raise more. Leading the paint session will be her grandmother, Debbie Viola, who runs the decorative painting business, Art by Debbie Viola.
In her career as an artist, Viola has done restorative work at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre and the Ritz Carlton in Manhattan. Instead of painting on a canvas this year, the pieces will be on wooden door hangers, and Viola will guide attendees in creating a fall or winter scene.
“We got wooden door hangers now,” Jennifer Tand explained. “We changed the surface, so that repeat people can come (and make something different).”
The paint night is catered towards everyone — and there’s something for everyone, whether for a kid or a parent. The event will also feature a variety of raffle baskets and prizes for all different ages.
Just a year after her first paint night, Julianna said she’s learned a lot.
“I’ve learned that every little bit helps,” she said. “Even if it’s just a $5 gift card or even $1 — it helps because every little bit helps you reach your goal. I appreciate every donation, even if it’s just $1.”
Ahead of the event, Julianna has also been selling bracelets to people, for any donation of their choice, helping her already raise $900 for the event.
“A lot of people were super generous, they donated $200 for one bracelet,” she said. “But other people were super generous — it was like $2 or $5. They didn’t have to do anything. That little bit helps because now we’re at $900.”
Her goal is to raise $3,000 this year, which provides a family with a month’s stay at the house in New Hyde Park. The more she raises, she said, a family’s stay could be longer, or she’d be able to help more than one family.
Admission to the event will cost $50, which includes drinks and refreshments. All painting tools will be supplied. Additional fees will be for raffle tickets and a 50/50. Julianna said she also plans to sell some of her jewelry at the event.
The event is slated for Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. at the church, at 720 Merrick Ave., North Merrick. To reserve a spot ahead of time, call (516) 643-2441. Admission can also be purchased at the door, with 100 percent of the money raised being donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro.
For more information, visit her Facebook page, Julianna’s Works of HeART, to learn about her upcoming events and initiatives.
