This past Saturday we were excited to lend our venue, people and projects to a good cause by hosting a photoshoot spearheaded by Dallas photographers Christie McMillon and Kevin Dukes.
Christie and Kevin had approached us back in May with their fundraising vision for a 2012 calendar to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, inspired by friend Christine Grizzle whose son Cooper has CF. As a family owned and operated business, we were happy to participate and enrolled staff, friends and customers in the effort. We collaborated with the photographers over the next month on the schedule, shot outline, set design and volunteer participation to finalize a plan for the July 16th shoot.
Shoot day finally arrived and we began setup early with a meet and greet at 6:00am. Considering the Texas heat index fast approaching 110 degrees, the goal was to knock out everything by early afternoon. The next eight hours was a flurry of activity with volunteer models, including Mrs. Texas 2010 Shannon Schambeau Patterson, hairstylists, makeup artists, assistants, and shop staff working hard to contribute their time, talent and effort. Our customers began to stop by to graciously lend their cars for the project; Christine Grizzle took part for her son by modeling in several of the thirteen scenes (one for each month of the year plus a cover shot). The production wrapped just before 3:00pm and everyone parted ways feeling exhausted but gratified in their work for a good cause.
Calendar sales are anticipated starting in September with 100% of proceeds going to CFF. For more information on the charity or to make a contribution, visit CFF.org.
All cars featured in the shoot are current or previous projects at North Texas Customs; for build pics, visit our photo gallery. We are thankful to our customers, particularly Mike Stom, Jerry Smith and Dr. Ryan Maguire, for their time and generosity, as well as Christie McMillon, Kevin Dukes, Christine Grizzle and Cooper for providing the opportunity to give back.
Special thanks to all who volunteered:
Photographers
Christie McMillon, 469-360-9230 / chrismckinn@aol.com
Kevin Dukes, 214-994-9145 / kevin@kdukesphoto.com
Makeup Artists
Timberly Williams / MakeIt-Up, 469-766-3316 / info@makeit-up.com
Tamara Batsell, 214-457-6347 / tbatsell@yahoo.com
Tricia Ray, 469-855-4138 / fantasieyez@yahoo.com
Hairstylists
Rochelle Mitchell & Vernisha Coffey of Girl Talk Salon and Spa, 972-226-5994
Models
Pam Daniel
LaSharon Renee
Valerie Roberts
Carmen Foy
Galatha Williams
Amanda Edirimanasinghe
Rhonda Weaver
Christine Grizzle
Amber Natishyn
Jill Northington
Dee Dee Stone
Shannon Patterson (Mrs. Texas 2010)
And of course, much appreciation to shop staff and photographers’ assistants for all the heavy lifting!
