So Cal Flame Surfers and Pacific Art Glass Take up the challenge in honor of Beads of Courage

GARDENA, Calif., Sept. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

In support of Beads of Courage®, the So Cal Flame Surfers and Pacific Art Glass are hosting one of eight sites selected for the national Bead Challenge Saturday, September 15, at 125 West 157^th Street, in Gardena.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120914/LA74498LOGO)

"Give children and their families coping with serious illnesses the ability to RECORD, TELL and OWN their story of courage," said Wendy Leys, a glass artist and Beads of Courage liaison with So Cal Flame Surfers.

She is encouraging Southern California artists, friends and families, hospital staff and caregivers of children with serious illnesses, to help with the event to make beads, raise funds and increase awareness of this important service. In addition to providing space for the Challenge, Pacific Art Glass is paying for the torching costs and covering staff expenses. Pacific Art Glass also covers the costs of Flame Dates for the glass artists.

"Beads of Courage is depending on us for help and support on this special day," Leys said. "This Challenge gives our So Cal Flame Surfers a chance to participate together in something we love to do – MAKING BEADS!"

"The glass beads made and donated by the artists and volunteers go into the hands of children coping with cancer and serious illness in the Beads of Courage program right here and at 150 other hospitals," Leys said. "By supporting Beads of Courage we get to help children mark milestones and tell the story of their treatment journey with beads that represent each procedure they undergo."

In honor of National Beads of Courage Bead Challenge Day and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, bead enthusiasts and the public are invited to create their own beaded jewelry and to come and cheer on the artists who make beads for the Beads of Courage Program. 

For the full release, visit www.beadsofcourage.org.

SOURCE Beads of Courage