Duke Medicine: Children's hospital seeks artwork by kids

With spring break ahead of many of us, Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center has a great way to keep kids busy and support a worthy cause.

Duke Children's is seeking kids' artwork that could be selected for an auction item at one of the hospital's fundraising events or the annual Duke Children's Holiday and All-Occasion Card Program.

Only drawings, of any medium, are accepted for the card program. But artwork for the auctions could include paintings, drawings, pottery, sculptures, jewelry and more. Children under the age of 18 are invited to submit their works.

Artwork for the all-occasion card and holiday cards must be postmarked or hand-delivered on or before April 15 to be included in this year's card program. Artwork received after April 15 will be included in the following year's contest. There is no limit to the number of entries per child (so draw away!).

If your child's artwork is chosen, their designs will be printed on thousands of cards. They'll also get to attend a press conference with Duke men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski and appear in TV ads for the cards.

Other artwork could be auctioned off at events such as Duke Children's annual Teddy Bear Ball. See examples of artwork that was auctioned off above.

Over the past 31 years, the sale of the cards and other pieces has raised more than $1.5 million for Duke Children's. Proceeds support places such as Camp Kaleidoscope, a summer camp for children treated at Duke; research to help find new cures for illnesses; and other programs that improve the quality of life for children undergoing treatment.

I love the fact that it's an opportunity for kids to help kids.