Color for Ukraine Fundraising Event and IG Hop

Help us raise funds for Ukrainians in need! As I am sure you are all aware there is a war continuing to rage in Europe. Russia has invaded the Ukraine and is destroying people, their homes and the structures around them. Many need help – our help!

Sketchmarker is a product line I fell in love with the end of 2021; I continue to be in love with the product line, but more importantly I love the people who developed Sketchmarker. They are from Kyiv, Ukraine. It is my honor to try and help them, along with their friends and colleagues. It is our hope that by working together we can help so many more who need our help.

The owners of Sketchmarker, along with their team of artists and friends have faced many difficulties over the last half year. They are not alone – there are SO many people in need. I am not interested in the politics of war – all I can see are the lives of people being destroyed. I am not here for any discussion about this situation, I am here only to ask for your help for the many who are left homeless, those without work, those left without a spouse, child or parent, those who have been wounded – women, children and men alike.

You may wonder why I am doing this – I do this in honor of my parents who were born in the Ukraine. I am a first-generation Canadian and I was so fortunate to be raised by loving, kind, and respectful parents. My mother experienced horrific circumstances during her young life in the Ukraine and I want to try and help others, as others helped her. I know I can’t do it alone – I am asking for your help.

How can we help? We color… so now we color for the Ukraine and the people whose lives have been and are still being destroyed.

50% of the profit (ALL profit!) from the sales of all Sketchmarker products on Ellen Hutson, LLC and Sketchmarker Amazon between today, Friday, August 5th through Sunday, August 7th, 2022 will be used to help Ukrainians in need. For all purchases over $25 of Sketchmarker products we will be providing a FREE download of a very special coloring book two incredibly talented Ukraine artists, Veronika Shalamai and Vera Kuprik, have created especially for this event OR purchase the Coloring Book separately and all funds from it’s sale will be donated to the charities listed below. Coloring Book will be sent out manually at the beginning of the following day.

20% of the total profits will be used to help the Sketchmarker team – those who we know directly need our help now, not later. 30% of the total profits will be split evenly between the two charities below:

• UN Women – Protecting and empowering Ukrainian Women and Girls – I have heard first-hand stories of those who have lost their spouses, are unable to find work and have children to support. My hope is that we can help women like these women.
• United 24 Medical Aid – there are so many urgent needs, but I can’t imagine the situations those who are injured face. Ambulances, x-ray machines, and devices to help repair broken bones are something we take for-granted here. Let’s try and make a difference for these people in need.

Please join us over the next three days for the sharing of some incredible art in a huge variety of styles. Following is our schedule of events:

Color for Ukraine Fundraiser Blog Hops – Friday, August 5th through Sunday, August 7th starting at 6:00am PT! We have artists from the Ukraine, artists from other areas of the world – all joining together with us as we share our love and support. Please join us at @ellenhutsonllc each of these days to see the inspiring projects created by artists from across the world! You won’t want to miss this because comments will be entered into a drawing for an incredible prize!

Saturday, August 6, 2022 – 11:00am PT – Color for Ukraine – YouTube/Facebook Live with Vera, Evgeniy and Ellen. Evgeniy will be sharing the passion behind the Sketchmarker product line and Vera will show us how to color “fluffy” fur!

Sunday, August 7, 2022 – 11:00am PT – Color for Ukraine – YouTube/Facebook Live with Nika and Lina who currently reside in Kyiv. We will learn more about these beautiful young women along with having a lesson on how Nika colors facial features. We hope you can join us!