r.s.thurston photography
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This is what I love about my job. I get to work with people who inspire and uplift me. And I get to be a part of amazing organizations like Alpha Resource Center who I might otherwise never have know about.
For those of you who only know of Alpha's Thrift Stores in town, you'll be surprised by how much this organization really does and the passion with which they operate in this world. In short, they exist to give support to families and their loved ones who have developmental disabilites. This was my second year photographing their Annual Circle of Life Luncheon and I am never any less moved or touched by the emotion and passion in that room!
From the beginning of the event when Gabe (an Alpha Participant) and his father Jerry Donovan sang and performed "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" to Dennis Miller's funny quips (he's been a passionate supporter of the organization for many years and has donated much of his personal time to Alpha) to another musical number featuring two more of Alpha's Participants and a few community members whose lives have been so indelibly touched by support from Alpha, it was hard not to be moved by the magic and love in the air.
Since the event took place and while I was finishing up this slideshow, I discovered that a beloved Alpha Participant--Tom Sayovitz--passed away unexpectedly. I would like to dedicate this slideshow to him and to his family and friends at Alpha. My heart goes out to his family and friends and all those at Alpha who had grown close to Tom.
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