Laila’s Gift Launches New Initiative
Blooming Inclusiveness Through the Arts
Aberdeen, MD (July 1st, 2024)
Laila’s Gift has launched a new initiative called “Blooming Inclusiveness”, which aims to promote inclusiveness for individuals with diverse abilities using the arts.
The organization has designated the sunflower as the symbol of growth and limitless potential for those living with diverse abilities. Like the sunflower, these individuals have the potential to thrive and reach limitless possibilities with intentional nurturing from their community and family. The sunflower’s ability to turn towards the sun, known as heliotropism, represents an individual’s resilience and ability to adapt to their surroundings.
Blooms of Hope
The initiative was kicked off in May with Blooms of Hope, an art auction held in Havre de Grace that celebrated local artists who created more than 45 pieces of art that incorporated the sunflower. More than 120 attendees helped raise nearly $10,000 at the event which was sponsored by Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Seeds of Inclusion
On July 26, Laila’s Gift will host Seeds of Inclusion in Jarrettsville where attendees will be invited to plant seeds for the popular sunflower field that attracts thousands of visitors from around the region each year and raises money for local organizations. In the fall, the organization will return to the field to host a Sunflower Festival where everyone can enjoy walking through the beautiful sunflowers they helped plant.
Field of Dreams Gala
A total of ten events will be held through the end of the year, culminating with the Field of Dreams Gala at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen on October 12 where the organization will announce a new, first-of-its-kind national program.
“Our mission is to build an inclusive community of supporters, advocates and resources that help families celebrate the milestones big and small for those with diverse abilities. Partnership is critical to building inclusive communities so we are honored to work with so many wonderful community organizations as we continue to grow,” said Shari Bailey, Founder and CEO of Laila’s Gift. “We know first-hand the difference that we can make for families who often feel alone and isolated..”
Founded in 2022, Laila’s Gift is a nonprofit organization that advocates for, supports, and celebrates children with special needs and disabilities, as well as their families. Since its founding, the organization has impacted more than 775 families.
The Blooming Inclusiveness initiative Laila’s Gift aims to create a community united to promote inclusiveness, celebrate diversity, and support the dreams of children with special needs and disabilities. Sponsorships are available. To learn more and to view a full list of events, visit www.lailasgift.org.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming events in the Blooming Inclusiveness Events Series include:
Parade Float
- Saturday, July 6 for the Havre de Grace Independence Day Parade (N Union Ave, Havre de Grace, MD 21078)
- July is Disability Pride Month and Laila’s Gift will have a float in the parade that celebrates disability pride by showcasing the sunflower and our mascot, Zigglebee.
Mosaic Magic Youth Art Workshop
- The Havre de Grace Arts Collective will partner with Laila’s Gift on this youth arts workshop. The activity for this event is “Mosaic Magic.” Young artists will help decorate a mosaic stone for our sunflower garden. Tickets via Eventbrite are $10 each.
- Saturday, July 13 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Gallery 220 (220 N. Washington Street Havre de Grace, MD 21078)
Seeds of Inclusion
- The Laila’s Gift Seeds of Inclusion fundraising initiative aims to foster community and celebrate children with diverse abilities who we refer to as “Sunflowers.” Thanks to our partnership with the Sunflower field in Jarrettsville, we will hand-plant seeds in their Sunflower Field to symbolize the beauty of inclusion and art and raise funds as Laila’s Gift.
- July 26, 2024 (rain date August 2) from 9 a.m. to Noon
- Jarrettsville Sunflower Field; 3726 Norrisville Rd Jarrettsville MD 21084
- Tickets: Free to attend, however sponsorships are welcomed.
Sunflower Festival
- Laila’s Gift will participate in the annual Sunflower Festival hosted by the sSunflower Field in Jarrettsville, and admire the sunflower sights curated by the Seeds of Inclusion event. Each sunflower represents the intentional support from the community to highlight individuals with diverse abilities.
- Date TBD in the fall.
- Jarrettsville Sunflower Field is located at 3726 Norrisville Road, Jarrettsville, MD 21084
About Laila’s Gift
Laila’s Gift is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Aberdeen, MD that advocates for, supports, and celebrates children with special needs and disabilities, and their families. Since 2022, they have served over 775 families. In January 2024, the organization opened Laila’s Gift Celebration and Advocacy Center in Harford County.
Led by Shari Bailey, the organization was inspired by Bailey’s daughters Laila and her twin sister Lana, who were born on September 5, 2014. Lana was healthy at birth, but Laila was born with a condition called Jacobsen Syndrome. At the time, globally, there were less than 100 cases with this very rare condition. Due to health complications associated with the syndrome, roughly 20%-25% of infants with Jacobsen Syndrome pass away before reaching the age of two. Since her birth, Laila has faced many adversities and challenges, yet has overcome many of them.
Visit lailasgift.org for more information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Kristi Halford
khalford@khalfordc3visionarystrategies-com
(443) 392-2505