Together
Nucor Corporation Children’s Charity Classic benefiting:
Children’s of Alabama Hospital
Fabricated Steel Frame & Pencil Drawing
2024
Every year, Nucor Corporation sponsors a Children’s Charity Classic Golf Tournament to benefit the Children’s of Alabama hospital located in Birmingham, Alabama. The event is kicked off with a banquet dinner where donated items from local businesses are auctioned off to increase fundraising. For the past 11 years, the team at the University of Alabama foundry has created steel sculptures for the auction. I am very honored that 2024 is my second year participating in this wonderful event. The 2023 sculpture, Wanda, MD (Medical Dog), commemorates the arrival of Wanda to Children’s of Alabama. Sponsored by Nucor, Wanda’s impact at the hospital has been immeasurable.
For the 2024 piece, I wanted to capture the special bond that she, and service animals like her, create with the children in their care. This piece is about more than just her; Wanda is a part of a team. Nurses, doctors, health care professionals, parents, and family all doing their part to make a difference each and every day because it really does take a village. This piece symbolizes that together, with a little hope, courage, and kindness, we can all do our parts to make a difference.
This sculpture was auctioned at the event and raised $30,500 for the Children’s of Alabama Hospital.
Wanda, MD (Medical Dog)
Nucor Corporation Children’s Charity Classic benefiting:
Children’s of Alabama Hospital
Cast Steel Sculpture
2023
Every year, Nucor Corporation sponsors a Children’s Charity Classic Golf Tournament to benefit the Children’s of Alabama hospital located in Birmingham, Alabama. The event is kicked off with a banquet dinner where donated items from local businesses are auctioned off to increase fundraising. For the past 10 years, the team at the University of Alabama foundry has created steel sculptures for the auction. In 2023, I was asked to collaborate with the UA team to create a very special sculpture commemorating the addition of Wanda, MD (Medical Dog) to the healthcare team at the Children’s Hospital.
Wanda, MD (Medical Dog) is a 2 year old Golden Retriever that has been training her whole life with Canine Assistants, a nonprofit organization that specializes in training service dogs to provide support in various capacities. Thanks to Nucor, Wanda and her expert handlers help pediatric patients cope, heal, and achieve treatment goals at the hospital.
This sculpture was auctioned at the event and raised $30,000 for the Children’s of Alabama Hospital.