August 31, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
YOUNG SAWDUST EMPLOYEE LEARNS THE ART OF GIVING
Laguna Beach, Ca – Sean Pigden, a Junior at Laguna Beach High School and summer employee at the Sawdust Art Festival’s Popcorn Booth, kindly donated the tips he made during the final two weeks of the festival to the Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon Society. Instead of a standard gratuity jar, Pigden put up his own version of a tip bin by posting a note around an unused popcorn box that read, “Instead of tips, please donate to the Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon Society.” Patrons must have taken notice of Pigden’s small sign and pasted-on symbolic pink ribbon, allowing him to collect a total of $246 in his tip jar in two weeks. Son of long-time Sawdust exhibitor Ashley Pigden-Hemsley, Pigden worked hisfifth consecutive summer this year at the Sawdust Popcorn Booth. Throughout his employment, Pigden has not personally met anyone with breast cancer, nor has he been persuaded by anyone in particular to support the breast cancer organization. He just thought to himself one mid-August day, “I kinda need to do something that’s contributing to something bigger than myself, and breast cancer
seems to be a prevalent issue.” Pigden, as a new philanthropist, decided then to donate his hard-earned tips to the Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon Society, allowing popcorn nibblers and visitors
alike to participate with him in donating to this important cause when stopping by for a purchase at the Sawdust Popcorn Booth. Pigden has promised to continue his selfless act and hopes to come up with more innovative ways to give back to society.
The Sawdust Art Festival, located at 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, celebrated the last day of its 2008 summer season on Sunday, August 31. Festival doors open again for the 18th Annual Winter Fantasy over four weekends beginning Saturday, November 22 through Sunday, December 14. For additional information call 949-494-3030 or navigate to www.SawdustArtFestival.org.
public and promoting the art created in Laguna Beach.
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