Crayon Collection Fundraising Event Colors Wonderful

Crayon Collection hosted a private luncheon celebrating the importance of arts and education at Nobu Malibu on Wednesday, June 3.

The luncheon, which sold out the first round of tickets in less than two days and rented a second room that sold out in 18 hours, was designed to raise funds and awareness of the great work that Crayon Collection (a non-profit organization founded by Palisadian Sheila Michail Morovati) is doing not only in the United States, but around the world.

Crayon Collection’s mission is to bridge the gap between plenitude and scarcity in America and beyond by way of collecting and redistributing millions of crayons via different channels.

The charity has successfully been collecting crayons from restaurant chains nationwide and donating them to Title I impoverished schools or Head Start Preschools that cannot afford their own.

The organization has also implemented an extremely sustainable system whereby schools and restaurants are paired up locally so that millions of crayons are prevented from being discarded.

Crayon Collection relies on volunteers around the globe, and uses this process of repurposing gently used crayons as a relatable tool for teaching young children the benefits of recycling, reusing and reducing waste as well as having a philanthropic experience.

Event speakers included Karla Duarte from the LA County Arts Commission who focused her talk on the benefits of art exposure in early childhood learning and development. She was recommended by Denise Grande, head of the Arts Commission and Arts 4 All.

Crayon Collection board members and guest speakers Jessica Capshaw and Jennifer Meyer spoke about their personal stories and how the arts have affected their families and their personal lives.

Other event guests included Drew Daywalt, author of the bestselling children’s book “The Day the Crayons Quit,” with whom Crayon Collection will be working in the near future.

Artist Tala Madani, actress Tessa Benson and model Christina Yorn made appearances as well.

For a look at Crayon Collection’s new PSA which premiered at the event, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVjmo0jVIs0

CRAYON FACTS

Teachers spend an average $750 of their own income on school supplies each year. Efforts such as Crayon Collection can help offset those costs, particularly in Title I schools in low-income neighborhoods.

Well over 100 million crayons are thrown out every year by more than 15,000 family-style restaurant chains across the U.S.

Crayon waste has a significant, negative environmental impact. Made from paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum, it can take years, even decades, for a crayon to decompose in a landfill.

The average child wears down 720 crayons by their 10th birthday.

Crayons are the 18th most recognizable smell in the world according to a Yale University study…and an undeniable rite of childhood.