Celebrity Photographers Donate Efforts for 'FREE'

Several renowned celebrity photographers donated their mentoring skills Wednesday in Old Bethpage, assisting others to photograph children in the foster care system in need of adoptive homes.

The photographs will then be displayed in a traveling exhibit to raise awareness and recruit prospective families for the children.

Wednesday's special photo workshop was the collaboration between , Inc. (FREE), a not-for-profit agency that supports more than 3,000 individuals with different abilities on Long Island and New York City-based Heart Gallery.

“FREE is very pleased to be joining forces with Heart Gallery and the renowned photographers to instill pride and confidence in our individuals through artistic expression as well as help children to find safe, loving forever families,” said Robert S. Budd, CEO of FREE.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to work with FREE and utilize the outreach of the Heart Gallery project to raise awareness of not only children in foster care, but of all individuals with different abilities.”

Heart Gallery NYC  connects the artistic talents of renowned photographers with children in foster care who are in need of permanent adoptive families. The Heart Gallery is dedicated to raising awareness about children living in foster care, and encourages New Yorkers to make a difference in the life of a child. For more information, please call (212) 965-8699 or visit www.heartgallerynyc.org.

FREE, founded in 1977 and based in Old Bethpage, benefits more than 3,000 individuals with different abilities and their families each year. Its mission is to support individuals of all abilities to realize their full potential and to achieve personal happiness. FREE provides a diverse array of support and services including: housing, rehabilitation services, prevocational/day and employment services, family services, education and after-school support, health care/clinical services and advocacy. For more information, call 516-870-1622 or visit www.familyres.org.