Rita’s Rainbows
Rita’s Rainbows is the name of the non-profit started by my sister, Cassy Goehner, in memory of her daughter Rita. Cassy and the tireless group of volunteers who comprise Rita’s Rainbows staff have already achieved so much and have helped so many children in need.
From day one, with even just the first small donations, Cassy started making calls to find out where Rita’s Rainbows could help. She called the homeless shelter in San Luis Obispo and asked them what they needed. One time they needed cots that were child-sized. Another time, Cassy brought pillow pets, which are fantastically soft animal pillows, for the children. It was a wonderful way to comfort children in a difficult situation.
For more information, you can visit Rita’s Rainbows at www.ritasrainbows.org
A little bit about Rita herself…
Rita Marie Goehner lived life to the fullest and for her, a big part of that was caring about others. She was always interested in helping people and she found many creative ways to share her love with the world around her, both near and far.
Rita’s Rainbows is continuing her mission and hopes to carry on with all the joy and love and creativity that she shared so effortlessly.
At Rock Paper Tree, I am so happy to be able to participate in this charity. We have quite a few items that donate 50% to 100% of the profits to Rita’s Rainbows. See them here.
And now we are thrilled to be able to share the book of Rita’s art and poetry, Shooting Stars And What You Meant To Me.
Stephen, my dear husband, did a great job putting this book together with all the things that Rita, thankfully, left behind for us. It has been a labor of love and now that it’s completed, we hope that it will find a place in people’s lives and in their libraries.
I personally think it will be a really nice gift to give to a teenager in your life. Rita was a voice for her generation. She was able to turn so much of the passion, whether angst or ecstasy, of being young into art. I do believe that it could help a teen who doesn’t have that ability to find a way to express themselves, or just to comfort them with the knowledge that they are not alone. Rita was all about that.
And of course, anyone can appreciate the beauty of her paintings, photography, and poetry. Naturally, I’m biased and I love this book because it is the representation of a child, and a young woman and a joyful spirit that I loved so very much.
She continues to teach me about loving fearlessly and living joyfully and expressing creatively.
I have read this book and I love it! I came home the other day and my son Bryan was showing the book to his friend. He asked me just which pictures were Rita’s? (kids!) I said all but at the very back, those are pictures of Rita. He couldn’t believe her work! What a wonderful moment, I could almost feel Rita reaching out and touching him. At almost 18 years old he was enchanted with the book. Our house was full of love.
Yes, this would be a wonderful gift of love for anyone, a teen especially.
I am so happy that is has been published and is available through your store.
Cathy Rackowski~