The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Proudly Announce….

The release of the 2012 Fighting Faces Calendar!

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Wendy’s International are proud to announce the
release of the 2012 Fighting Faces Calendar.  The calendar features stunning photography by PDB Photography showcasing children from central Ohio who have either battled cancer or are currently being treated.  Along with the children are the Zoo’s very own furry faced friends.  The Zoo has partnered with L Wycoff Enterprises, LLC for 2012 with the dual goal of making a difference in the lives of the children fighting cancer and increasing awareness of animals facing extinction.  The proceeds from the sale of the calendar will be donated to Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Columbus Zoo Conservation Program.  

Families face emotional and financial hardship while a child is being treated.  The children highlighted within the pages of this calendar provide motivation and inspiration to all fighting similar battles.  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this calendar will also support families who are currently struggling financially with basic needs.  This is a unique endeavor as most cancer-related charities are aimed at research.

In addition, the Zoo animals highlighted in this calendar remind us of the importance of conservation.  This project will support the Columbus Zoo Conservation Program which has already distributed over $4.3 million in conservation grants. 

As an added bonus, the calendar is filled with over $30.00 of coupons redeemable at various Zoo gift shop locations.  The calendar measures 9 ½ by 12 with a retail price of $14.99.  It is available at the Zoo gift shop as well as online at www.columbuszoo.org/fightingfaces.  It also may be purchased at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital gift shop located at 700 Childrens Drive, Columbus, OH.  

What started out as a project with the hopes of making a difference in the lives of these children, it is our lives that have been forever changed.  Please join us in making a difference today.

Emma Rowley sings "I Am"

As a continuation of the Fighting Faces Calendar project, along with a few new friends, this beautiful song came together.  Meeting up in Nashville, TN at The Sound Emporium Recording Studio, we were very fortunate to have witnessed first hand, how a song comes to life.
With writers Nicole Sullivan, Bill Steins, Emma Rowley and myself, and under producer Dan Hagen and the following very talented musicians, a phenomenal
piece of music came togther.
I would like to thank Dave Dunseath, Tim Marks, Mike Daly, Jody Nardone, Mark Niemiec, Matt Leech, and Bob Olhsson for their time and talent beyond words.
I Am can be purchased at Itunes.  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the single will be given back to the recipients of the calendar project, the Columbus Zoo Conservation Project and Nationwide Childrens Hospital.

A Word From the Founder

When do we stop just going through the motions of life?  When do you start to feel that it is time to start giving back?  That life was never about you but you just started to feel and understand it. 

The feeling of not wanting to look back and ask myself what did you do to make a difference has almost consumed my daily life.  I am not getting any younger and I wanted to do something that serves a purpose.

Cancer.  It hits so many families today.  Every time you turn around, it is affecting more and more individuals.  Wanting to make a difference, I set out with this project.  How do you make someone feel better when they might be at their lowest point in life?  How do you tell them that they still have so much to give and that they too can still make a difference in the lives of others?   

The proceeds from the sale of the 2012 calendar will be donated to The Columbus Zoo Conservation Fund and Children's Nationwide Hospital.  The funds will assist those families who need day to day assistance while their child is being treated.  

While we need to continue on in the efforts to find a cure, let us not forget there are people out there right this very moment who are struggling.  If we look around, we could accomplish more today than what we are possibly waiting on to happen in the future. 

I have been blessed in being able to get to know the familes and the children who participated in the calendar for 2012.  They are truly an inspiring group of individuals that are true leaders.  I know they have made an impact on those that were there to put this calendar together.

My hope is that it will inspire and encourage others to look around and follow a dream.  This is mine and I thank you for your support.

Sincerely, Lori A. Wycoff