"Portraits of Hope" for Families in Transition
Studio Donates Gift of Family Unity

   SAN DIEGO — Fifty-four families at St. Vincent de Paul Village will be offered a unique steppingstone in their efforts to regain their dignity as Chic Images Studio will take heirloom-quality portraits of each family on Wednesday, Dec. 19, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Village, located at 1501 Imperial Avenue. The event’s busiest hours will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

   On that day volunteers from Chic will close their studio and set up shop at St. Vincent’s, offering Village family members an opportunity which would otherwise be unavailable.

   "There are financial boundaries that don’t allow our families to enjoy certain extras in life," says Father Joe Carroll, Village president. "Chic Images providing these portraits free of charge allows our residents to capture this moment in their lives, a milestone on the road to self-sufficiency."

   He says last year’s event went a long way to restoring the dignity lost to life on the streets and anticipates this year’s portraits will have the same impact.

   "As the make-up was applied and their hair was styled, you could see the disbelief giving way to smiles and laughter," he says. "For that moment, as they were being pampered, you could see they realized there was reason to hope – it rekindled the dignity which had been lost."

   Village families will have the opportunity to choose their poses as they are being photographed, thanks to Chic Images’ electronic imaging system that allows proofs to be viewed during sessions. This new technology will also enable families to receive their pictures in plenty of time for the holidays.

   In addition to the Chic volunteers, make-up artists and hair stylists will be on hand to pamper the families. Items from the studio’s wardrobe collection will also be available to the residents.

   Each portrait package, valued at over $250, will include one large picture and several smaller prints.

   For more information on the third annual "Portraits of Hope" event, please call (619) 525-1608.

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