What does happiness mean to you?

 “What Makes You Happy?” That is the question Hunter Douglas recently asked hundreds of children and their siblings staying in Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California (RMHCSC) houses and affiliated hospitals, and attending Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times in Apple Canyon Center, California. The question was part of a special “Shades of Happiness” original drawing contest held in conjunction with RMHCSC. The competition invited participants ages 18 and under to create unique artwork to answer that compelling question, and during the contest’s three-month timeframe, nearly 200 original pieces of artwork were submitted. Humanistic and artistic, the winning designs were used as inspiration for a series of Hunter Douglas window shades that were custom-printed for a new, state-of-the-art dining facility at Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times.

Highlighted by a palette of bright and cheerful colors, the winning entries include inspirational drawings from Miranda (age 8), Danielle (13), Shaelin (9), Xavier (11), Brianna (17), Kestral (13), Abigail (16), Belen (13) and Leslie (14). Winners received a prize basket along with the pride of seeing their designs brought to life.

While was all entries were unique – some simple, some complex – each told a story that was impactful, emotional and optimistic. Considering the journey of dealing with cancer can be a trying time for so many children and their families, the panel found it inspiring to see a large number of designs incorporating family, friends and scenes from nature.

With the addition of the new dining facility, Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times will now be able to handle 25 percent more campers. With youthful inspiration from the Shades of Happiness campaign, Hunter Douglas’ unique window treatments and customized version of corporate philanthropy will contribute to the charity’s success for years to come.

To learn more about Hunter Douglas, visit www.hunterdouglas.com, and to find out more about RMHCSC, visit www.rmhcsc.org.