This is Wilder. He and his class are going to Costa Rica in May, that is if he can raise the nearly $1,800 to cover his 9 day trip. Wilder is in a special school called the "Spanish Immersion Magnet Program." He has been learning all his school work, since Kindergarten, in two languages, English and Spanish. He's now in the Eighth Grade. The program's philosophy is straightforward; teach a child a second language by immersing them in that language. He speaks Spanish all day at school, he writes in Spanish, reads in Spanish and yes, he has to think in Spanish. His core curriculum is taught in Spanish. He studies Math and Science and other important principles completely in his second language. He then has a knowledge base that transfers to both of his languages.

He has done pretty well. He has won the "Spanish Language" Award in the program for 3 straight years. He is a straight A student. He has won the Governor's Cup in Arts & Humanities. He is a two-time "Young Acheiver." He plays a little piano, a little violin and sings a bit as well. He wants to be an actor when he grows up, but he hates getting his picture taken. This picture of him is pretty popular. It was an Award Winner at last year's Krappy Kamera competition. It's been published in Camera Arts Magazine, it's been featured in Photoblogs Magazine and in other online zines and galleries. It's been described as "iconic," "provocative" and "mesmerizing." But with all that Wilder mutters "I hate that picture."

I'm telling you all this because I'm offering you a chance to help a brother out. Donate to Wilder's cause. You'll feel good about it. But that probably isn't enough to make you throw some cash his way. So to sweeten the deal, his Pop, that is me, is going to give up some of his art. From now until Apri1, for every donation over $5, you will receive a fabulous original Polaroid print captured by me and signed by me. Each one individual, each one meant for you. I'll shoot the shot, it will be scanned, (more on that in a second) then signed and mailed to you (I'll pay the postage!). After April 1, I'll post all the scanned shots in a gallery with each benefactor's name, web links and all that for the world to see. You will have helped out a kid, bought some collectible art (Hey, original Araki Polaroids are selling on eBay right now for $450!) and made an online photo art project--all for the price of a few cold beers.

If you donate over $20, your name will wind up in the hopper for a little giveaway. A camera out of the GoTreadGo coffers. A real gem even. A ready to be restored (or start shooting out of the box) Rolleicord Twin Lens Reflex. You read that right. A late 1930s Rollei. She works great, she could use a new focusing mirror and a little lube but that is up to you, as I said, she fires just fine, I bought her to restore and now decided she is worth more to me as a gift to a generous shooter.

Just click the donation button below to Paypal and if you don't Paypal, drop me a line and I'll give you mailing information for checks, money orders or even well concealed cash. You won't be disappointed and if you are, figure out a way to take it off your taxes!