Over the past years, people have asked me various questions, such as “Why do you do Raeann’s Creations?” The answer is that I do it to benefit my brother and all the people helped through the organizations that I donate to. I make no profit from my beaded bracelet sales. I do not do this for myself or the recognition that I receive. I am making bracelets and donating the profits because it makes
me feel good knowing that I have helped many people with special needs and various other conditions. I feel very fortunate to be able to go all the places that I go and do all the things that I do, and my donations help many others be able to do some of the same things. I think that people often times take for granted what they have and do not realize how grateful they should actually be. I feel as though people should be giving up more of their time to help others in any way they can… Raeann’s Creations is just one of the ways that I give back. Derek was born with a rare diagnosis called, 5p- syndrome (or Cri du Chat Syndrome). It is a deletion on the 5th chromosome, giving it the name 5p- syndrome. He is nonverbal and primarily uses sign language to communicate. Derek goes to Clelian Heights School located in Greensburg, PA. He is a member of his school’s basketball team. Derek enjoys music, swinging, computers, baseball, basketball, bowling, boating, and swimming. I started Raeann’s Creations in 2004 when I was 6 years old. At first, it was just a hobby, and a nice way for me to make people gifts for various holidays. In 2006, due to several requests, I began selling my jewelry. I donate to Clelian Heights School, the 5p- Society, the ASA-WCC (Autism Society of America- Westmoreland Co. Chapter), and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I chose these charities because… Derek attends Clelian Heights School, they use the money for class field trips, therapeutic and sensory equipment, and toys and games for the classrooms. He has 5p- Syndrome, and their money goes towards the annual conference in which families get together to learn more about the syndrome, get ideas, and more importantly “compare notes” with others going through the same things. Derek has PDD (which is a form of autism). The ASA-WCC (Autism Society of America-Westmoreland Co. Chapter) uses the money to provide fun activities for their members such as skating parties, bowling, etc. In 2007, Derek got to go on a Make-A-Wish trip to Discovery Cove to swim with the dolphins. Make-A-Wish uses the donations to grant wishes to children with life-threatening disabilities. I plan to continue Raeann’s Creations for a very long time, in the hopes of helping as many people as I can. I also sell Origami Owl in addition to my regular jewelry sales. A portion of my Origami Owl sales will be donated to the above mentioned charities. I hope that you get the chance to check out my site on Origami Owl--- RaeannsCreations.OrigamiOwl.com. Origami Owl is customized necklaces and newly added bracelets with “living lockets” that you can put charms into to reflect you and your life. Also be sure to check out my website, www.RaeannsCreations.com.
