Assistance League coloring contest winners are, front row, from left, Delilah Garcia, Joshua Mkanza, Samara Ruddle, Elisha Mkanza, Alaxandria Morales, Marcia Sotero, Mayghen Grome (in back) and Madalynn Covington. In back are, from left, Larry Dierdorff, Christine Coates, Lynn Reiter and Paul Foster. Larry Dierdorff’s Assistance League mural is behind them. Courtesy Photo
Assistance League of Redlands recently held a camellia coloring contest for elementary school children, in conjunction with this year’s Camellia Luncheon.
In addition to best of show and honorable mention awards, the judges chose one child from each grade from kindergarten through fifth grade to receive the prizes of a coloring bouquet made by Camellia Luncheon chairman Lynn Reiter and a $25 gift certificate for Toys R Us.
Third-grader Madalynn Covington won best of show, and kindergartner Marcia Sotero received honorable mention.
Other winners are Delilah Garcia, kindergarten; Joshua Mkanza, first grade; Samara Ruddle, second grade; Elisha Mkanza, third grade; Alaxandria Morales, fourth grade; and Mayghen Grome, fifth grade.
The winning pictures will be displayed at the seven Redlands homes chosen for the Feb. 22 luncheon. After the luncheon, the winning pictures will be on display at the Assistance League thrift shop, 506 W. Colton Ave., Redlands.
The children and their parents attended the Assistance League’s January meeting, where they received their prizes.
Judges were Redlands Mayor Paul Foster and artists Larry Dierdorff and Christine Curry Coates.
Foster has had a longstanding relationship with the Assistance League, having assisted in the league receiving grants from Kaiser Permanente for its Dental Center for many years. He has also attended events such as the league’s 2010 ribbon cutting celebrating the expansion of the Thrift Shop and Philanthropic Center.
Larry Dierdorff also has a connection with Assistance League. One of his murals is on the exterior east wall of the Thrift Shop.
Dierdorff has been painting murals in the Inland Empire since the early 1980s. Thirty of more than 120 murals he has done are in the Redlands area.
Dierdorff also works in stained glass and pottery.
Christine Curry Coates grew up in Redlands and has painted murals throughout Southern California since 2000. Her local clients include the cities of Redlands and Riverside, the Salvation Army, Redlands High School, the San Bernardino Police Department and many homes and schools.
The Camellia Luncheon will raise funds for the Assistance League’s philanthropic programs — Operation School Bell®, the Dental Center, Assault Survivor Kits, Teens Be Seen/Urgent Essentials, Adapted Physical Education Awards Luncheon and Power to Continue Learning Scholarships.
For information about the Assistance League and its philanthropic programs, the Camellia Luncheon or membership opportunities, stop by the Thrift Shop at 506 W. Colton Ave. or call 909-792-2675.
