God Winks Pajama Party
God Winks Pajama Party
Online auction to raise funds for families facing life-threatening diagnoses
Ellicottville photographer Nadine Saviano has many years of experience capturing life’s most exciting, happiest moments. From engagements and weddings to senior portraits and athletic events, her work captures the joy and spontaneity of special occasions so they may be remembered for years to come. While photography is often a natural part of joyous occasions, it is not often at the forefront of one’s mind during life’s most challenging, uncertain, and saddest moments. However, Saviano knows that a meaningful photography session can be an opportunity to capture what may be a family’s last or only portrait all together.
Saviano is the president and founder of God Winks Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which she established in 2015. She explained, “I work with families that are facing terminal or life-threatening diagnoses. I offer professional family portrait photography at no charge, whether it’s cancer, ALS, Alzheimers or any other potentially life-threatening diagnosis, a loved one in palliative care or end of life care, a baby in the NICU, or a stillbirth or miscarriage.” Saviano has professional affiliations with several western New York healthcare organizations, including Kaleida Health, Hospice, Essential Care, CompassionNet, Catholic Health, and more, but she also works with patients receiving treatment at other healthcare facilities in the region.
Saviano’s faith is what inspired her to create this organization and is what continues to propel her to help more families. While she did not embark on a photography career specifically to create her non-profit, a series of events and conversations – God winks – led her to creating this organization, which provides assistance in the healing process from grief and loss.
Nadine explained her mission: "To provide hope, support and prayer for families in need. It's rare that people have updated family portraits and the opportunity to have a family photo session helps them to step outside of their current situation and just enjoy one another during that time, to simply be together and laugh together. Certain situations are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for family photos and provide priceless and precious memories." Professional referrals are not required, and families can contact Saviano directly through her website, Godwinksinc.org.
There is no fee for God Winks Inc.’s services, as services are paid for through donations and fundraising. Saviano’s Spring 2022 Pajama Party Fundraiser is taking place over the course of three days: April 7-9th through her organization’s Facebook page @GodWinksInc. “This is an online silent auction,” Saviano explained, “that is made possible through the donation of baskets and items from area businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout the area.”
In earlier years, the auction was a one-day in-person event, but the COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed the format. “In March two years ago, I had 85 baskets in my house and everything shut down! I just brainstormed, talked to my board, and we came up with the idea of doing the fundraiser online and turned it into a silent auction.” Saviano photographed all of the donations and invited participants to comment on the photos with their bids. The event was a great success, and she has kept the format on Facebook ever since.
She explained, “It’s opened up the doors for more people to participate. I have a lot of supporters from throughout and outside the region.” Many of Saviano’s supporters are healthcare workers, especially nurses. “An online fundraiser over three days allows people to go online, bid, and participate whether they're on break at the hospital or at home in their pajamas. It’s worked out really nicely!”
Saviano is excited to have a great number and variety of baskets and items this year. These items include original artwork from local artists, woodworking, home and lawn decor, kid-friendly baskets, wine baskets, spa baskets, cases of beer, an iced tea set, and so much more. Local stores donate gift cards or certificates, and Saviano is always happy to plug their business on God Winks Inc.’s Facebook page.
Anyone who is interested in donating auction items or baskets are welcome to do so through March 27th. “I’m actually a terrible basket maker,” Saviano laughed, “so whatever strikes your fancy, that’s what you can donate!” To contact Saviano about donations, fill out the contact form at www.godwinksinc.org or message the organization on Facebook.
Basket/item bidding will open on Thursday, April 7th at noon and close on Saturday, April 9th at midnight. Items such as gift cards/certificates will be mailed to winners, and all other items will be dropped off to winners by Saviano or her volunteers beginning the following Monday through Wednesday.