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In 1996, Heather Buggee set out on a journey that began as a simple dream. An aspiring art student at the time, her inspiration struck while she paid a hospital visit to a friend suffering from Hodgkin’s disease. Together they planned to change the bleak hospital surroundings into a visually soothing space that would be conducive to healing. Unfortunately, her friend succumbed to the disease, but Heather followed through with their dream.
She knew both color and creativity would speak volumes in the dreary corridors, but she wasn’t sure that hospital administrators would agree. Yet soon, facilities began showing interest, and Heather landed her first project at Blythedale Children’s Hospital, in Valhalla, NY. She describes the venture as challenging. “The difficulty was figuring out where the funding was coming from, so we all pitched in and bought our own paint,” she recalls. After witnessing the lifted spirits of patients and their families, Heather created Splashes of Hope, a nonprofit organization that would “splash” hospitals with colorful murals, scenic ceiling tiles, and custom art installations.
Today, Splashes of Hope has more than 40 volunteers, including 15 artists and an executive and advisory board made up of dedicated business leaders. Their goodwill now extends to geriatric centers, orphanages, and mental-health facilities. Per Heather, the positive response is the payoff. “In nursing homes the residents are reminded of days they would spend with family or friends in park settings or at the beach.” she explains. “It’s nice to hear them recollect fond memories inspired by the murals. Often, we hear children making up stories about the silly characters we paint.”
In just 11 years, Splashes of Hope has grown into an international organization, having splashed orphanages as far away as Odessa and Kharkiv, Ukraine. The foundation operates solely on donations, sponsorships, and funds obtained through grants. Due to an influx of requests, their greatest challenge is finding the financial support to continue painting; the annual Trustees Dinner plays a pivotal role in fundraising. Proceeds from this year’s dinner and art auction (with world-famous auctioneer Jill Doherty) will help them splash the Little Flower Children & Family Services orphanage, in Wading River, this April.
The symbiotic relationship between the artist and viewer may be enough for Heather to continue splashing indefinitely. “I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work with such talented artists to benefit those least fortunate,” she says. “I can’t think of a more rewarding and heartbreaking way to spend my life.”
For more information on Splashes of Hope or their Annual Trustees Dinner, held March 13th in Sayville, call (631) 424-8230 or visit splashesofhope.org
