Be the light! Text ERIC39 to 44-321 or visit the Eric’s Circle of Light campaign page.

Eric’s Circle of Light was established in honor of our dear friend, Eric Spencer Richenstein (1982 – 2020). He is always in our hearts, but especially so on July 6, which this year would have been his 39th birthday. 

Eric’s Circle of Light is the collective name for Photo Start’s innovative digital programming. Developed at the onset of the COVID-19 lockdown, the program allows for students and teachers to continue education from the safety of their homes. The curricula includes theoretical and practical photography instruction along with valuable life skills sessions. 

Over the past year, Photo Start has provided more than 7500 cumulative hours of intensive instruction to 180+ students. The program has been so successful that we have new students from partner programs across the United States, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda joining us each week. And this fall we are expanding to Tel Aviv, Israel! The classes have provided families and their students with educational opportunities that otherwise may not have been available during this challenging time. 

Eric was a lover of the great outdoors, nature, and a friend to wildlife and children everywhere. It is our goal to honor Eric’s memory by doing what we do best: providing access to education and opportunity to young people most in need. While we terribly miss our friend, who left us far too soon, we are excited with the progress we have made to help our students, and we are proud to honor him with our Eric’s Circle of Light program.

On July 6, please help us honor our friend’s memory by continuing to provide and improve our online programs for students who are still dealing with lockdowns and lock outs. Your donations allow us to support more children with all the tools they need to create a bright future for themselves.

Be the light!

Text ERIC39 to 44-321 or visit the Eric’s Circle of Light campaign page.