True Blue Spotlight: Laura Brunetti P'11 Turns Art into "Good Fortune"

Those who know Laura for more than a few minutes can not help but feel drawn to her charismatic personality and generous spirit. Last year, Laura contributed two of her beautiful paintings to the Stoneleigh-Burnham School auction, where they touched all who were able to see them. Her philosophy about the healing power of art touches a diverse spectrum of people and raises money for charities. In her home community of Monmouth County, New Jersey, Laura's philanthropy is extensive. She donates the proceeds from the paintings in her studio to charity. She is a benefactor to the nonprofit agency Collier Youth Services with housing and programs for at-risk youths. As a volunteer for the Monmouth Park Charity Ball, her artwork raises money for more than fifty causes. She also gives free art lessons to children with cancer and patients with Alzheimer's or AIDS. "I believe what you put out is what you get back. It's rewarding to see people have a smile on their faces or gain something. I'm having a ball helping others," Brunetti says. For more information about Laura Brunetti's work, visit L'Estrella Studio at www.lestrellastudio.atomicshops.com.