http://www.oliviabouler.net
In early 2010, the explosion and subsequent sinking of the Deepwater Horizon oil platform held the world's attention. In addition to the immediate tragedy of the loss of life of those working on board, the long term repercussions as cloud after cloud of oil bubbled through the broken pipelines into the water became apparent. It halted the livelihoods of thousands of gulf coast residents who rely on tourism, fishing, and other water-based industries, it devastated plant, water, and animal populations, and it broke the heart of one very determined little girl.
Having spent memorable vacations with family in the area, 11-year-old Olivia Bouler cried when she thought of the impact this disaster would have on the birds she'd seen, knowing the oil was heading into their feeding and nesting grounds. Then, drying her tears and with her family's help, she decided to do something about it. Above is her letter to the Audubon Society, pitching her fundraising idea and even providing a sample of her work.
To date, Olivia has been able to raise $200,000 for the gulf relief effort, and has published "Olivia's Birds: Saving the Gulf", a compilation of her artwork. The purchase of this book helps fund additional recovery efforts.
As the proud owner of an Olivia Bouler original, received after donating to her initial fundraising efforts, I invite and encourage all bird-lovers to visit her Web site (noted above), find her on Facebook at "Save the Gulf: Olivia's Bird Illustrations", and consider purchasing her book for your own library, especially if you have children. It's not only a way to help the plants and animals in this region, but also a way to remind yourself and your own family that all it takes is one idea to launch a movement.
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