"Night Falling Exhibition"....."TESSA CHARLEBOIS"....of Thunder Bay, Ontario...:)

Oh what a "AWESOME" time the three amigos, "Jimmy G, Saila and Jimmy M."...had this evening...great Chinese food...great conversation...and so many laughs...these are the times that great memories are made of...I suggest that you all give it a shot...we only go around once...so why not enjoy the ride as often as you can.???

Oh and we met an "AMAZING" young lady named "TESSA CHARLEBOIS" who is an artist that the world will be getting to know...real soon I do believe..."Night Falling Exhibition"...read what this young woman has done to give back to help others...Saila and myself both bought one of her masterpieces...:)

Local Survivor Gives Back to Organization that Helped Her in Desperate Time of Need

Posted on October 3, 2012

Today, Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services (TBAVS) received its most memorable contribution to date. Tessa Charlebois presented the not for profit group with a cheque of $ 2,570.45. The funding was a result of the Night Falling Art Exhibition that took place at the end of August. The exhibition was organized by Charlebois and included many of her art pieces.

Charlebois says; “The idea of organizing the art show to raise money and awareness for domestic violence stemmed from an abusive situation I experienced. I was introduced to TBAVS and really learned firsthand how crucial support is in the scariest of times. I wanted to use art as an outlet to celebrate and bring attention to strong individuals who have experienced and survived abuse”.

Following Charlebois’ traumatic experience, her creative sense as an artist grew to a new level as she used it as a therapeutic outlet. Over 18 creative pieces of art were auctioned off at the art event. Charlebois continues; “I became extremely driven to use my gift to raise money for other victims of violence with hopes to make a change. After my experience, it became very clear to me that there are so many women effected by violence. TBAVS provided me with the help that I was searching for.”
TBAVS is a community-focused and volunteer-driven organization that provides confidential community support services to victims of crime and tragedy to help lessen the trauma and its impacts. Over the last year, volunteers have provided services to more than 400 victims in Thunder Bay and District.

TBAVS Program Manager, Deborah Dika, says; “This is such a meaningful donation. It is such a good feeling to have someone that we assisted now coming to our aid. We have truly come full circle as Tessa who was once a victim is now a recovering survivor. Every victim should know that they have 24/7 access to our services.”

Now there is a person who is "PLAYING IT FORWARD" in a very big way...:)