Local Photographer Offers Portrait Session Deal With Donation to Food Pantry

The following news was submitted on behalf of MG Photography & Design.  

MG  Photography & Design is offering a special on Senior and Family portrait sessions with a donation of five-eight nonperishable items to be donated to an area food bank.

When Michael Guimond of MG Photography & Design received a letter inviting him to help support the powerful Rachel’s Challenge program in the Rochester schools, he immediately began thinking of ways to help not one but two local nonprofit organizations. 

Michael Guimond owner of in Rochester Hills is excited to combine his passion for the greater Rochester community with his award-winning photography business.  

Michael has offered to waive in studio photography session fees for any high school seniors who donate five nonperishable items and any families who donate eight nonperishable items for the Rochester Area Neighborhood House Food Pantry. 

Additionally, when these customers purchase prints or photography packages, Michael will donate 10 percent of every sale to Rochester PTA Council’s Rachel’s Challenge program, a program that inspires students to live their life with purpose, kindness, and compassion. 

“Since moving to and setting up our business in beautiful Rochester Hills, our lives have been blessed by so many wonderful clients and opportunities. We truly love this community and wanted to give back by joining forces with other organizations that also share in our goal to enrich the lives of others in the community,” Michael stated when asked why he chose to offer this unique opportunity.

In 2011 the Rochester Area Neighborhood House Food Pantry provided food assistance to over 1,500 families (3,300 individuals) in the greater Rochester Community.   This was a 20 percent increase over the number of families serviced in 2010. 

“This type of increase in services at the Food Pantry has been in effect since late 2007,” noted Linda Riggs, Executive Director of Neighborhood House. “While we have prided ourselves on being a full service food pantry able to service all of our neighbors in need, the increase in numbers has made it difficult to keep up with the demand.  We truly rely on the generosity of the local community to make sure that the Neighborhood House Food Pantry remains stocked at levels adequate to meet the increasing need.  By collaborating with us, MG Photography and community can help us help our neighbors.” 

The Rachel’s Challenge program has been a valued program in the Rochester middle and high schools for several years.  It inspires the students to initiate and further positive cultural change in their schools and communities by accepting the challenge to start a chain reaction of kindness and compassion.

Reuther Middle School is one example of a school that has seen a marked improvement in the culture of the school due to the program.

“It has been great to see our students take leadership roles in spreading kindness throughout Reuther and our community,” commented Amy Hoekstra, who is the Chainlinks Club Advisor at Reuther Middle School .  “The students have developed a heart for Rachel’s Challenge and it has made an impact in our school.” 

"We are so pleased when we find business partners who see a partnership with the schools as a benefit for themselves as well as the community,” states Michelle Bueltel, President of Rochester PTA Council. “Not only is MG Photography helping us to bring a powerful program to our students, but they are also supporting Rochester Area Neighborhood House and providing a savings for their customers.  We are excited about this mutually beneficial partnership."  

To take advantage of this opportunity, contact MG Photography & Design at 248-651-5070 or email info@mg-photography.com. This promotion will run through the end of August.

Rochester Area Neighborhood House Food Pantry Wish List:

• Pudding cups
• Canned vegetable soup
• Stuffing mix, canned salmon
• Beef or chicken broth
• Canned ravioli
• Rice (small bags)
• Canned Salmon
• Canned chicken
• Canned carrots
• Canned mixed vegetables
• Mandarin oranges
• Cereal
• Canola oil
• Strawberry jam
• Snack crackers
• Ramen noodles
• Peanut Butter
• Coffee (small containers)
• Fresh Fruit and Vegetables 

For diabetics and those with other special health needs:

• Sugar-free foods
• Low-salt foods
• Gluten-free foods