About this project

There are certain people in this world who dedicate their lives to bettering the lives of those who are less fortunate. Aoy LaChapelle from the lakeside town of Marquette, Michigan is the exact description of that type of person.

The owner of the Rice Paddy, which has been rated "World's Best Pad Thai" by The Lonely Planet's Restaurant Guidebook, saves each dollar of gratuity she makes during the course of a year and uses the funds to purchase computers, books, shoes, clothes, and food for 300 children - from two different schools - in her hometown outside of Bangkok, Thailand.

"We had to share almost everything at home and at school, even books," Aoy said. "Sometimes, there would be only one book for the entire class. I want to help give these kids a better childhood."

A great article was written last march by a local college student: http://media.www.thenorthwindonline.com/media/storage/paper1202/news/2009/03/26/Entertainment/Local.Resident.Offers.Help.In.Thailand-3684301.shtml

I've known Aoy for a little over five years now and I have truly enjoyed each and every moment I've spent with her. Her wise advice and tantalizing home cooked meals have been some of the major components to the success in my business and the growth in my personal relationships.

I had the amazing fortune of being able to photograph Aoy's wedding this past Summer and it was extremely difficult focusing my lens with eyes filled with loving tears. It is not everyday one gets to document the wedding of a Saint.

Aoy and her husband Greg will be heading to Thailand in March to deliver the much anticipated contributions to the children. This year they will be accompanied by myself and my head photographer Alex Rintala to photograph and document the wonderful moments of compassion, gratitude, and inspiration.

Our mission is to capture the smiles, the tears, and the ripple of love that such a generous act of kindness brings to this world.

We will be putting together a forty (40) page photo book with quotes and excerpts from the adventure that will be available to purchase on operationaoy.com and inside the restaurant. All the proceeds from the book sales will be donated back to the chiildren.

The funding that we are humbly requesting through Kickstarter will be used for:

-Two Round-Trip Plane tickets to Bangkok, Thailand
-Travel/Lodging/Food Expenses
-Printing and Shipping Cost of 200 Hardcover Books
-Operation A.O.Y. website

Each and every dollar raised over $ 7,000 will be added to the total amount donated to the children!
We will be booking our plane tickets as soon as possible as to get the best prices available which will allow us to donate more to the cause!

The incentives are tailored to provide all backers with one of a kind rewards that are from the heart and truly demonstrate how much we appreciate all the love sent our way!

Our rewards are:

$3 - Recognition on the Operation A.O.Y. website that shows that you made a difference to these children's lives.

$5 - Recognition on the Operation A.O.Y. website - E-mails with downloadable desktop wallpapers and behind the scene updates of our progress.

$15 - All of the Above - 4x6 photo Limited Edition signed photo by Aoy

$25 - All of the Above - DVD slideshow with music / behind the scenes view of the adventure.

$50 - All of the Above - 8 x 10 - Fine art print of Thailand

$100 - All of the Above - Your Name Printed on the Thank you Page of the Book.

$200 - All of the Above - Special Audio CD of Aoy's secret cooking Recipes.

$300 - All of the Above - Limited Kickstarter Edition - Hard Cover - 60 page - Book

$500 - All of the Above - 20x30 Limited Edition Fine Art Print of Thailand - Choose on the Operation A.O.Y. Website

$1,000 - All of the Above - 40x60 - Limited Editon - Fine Art Print of Thailand - Chosen on the Operation A.O.Y. website

$2,000 - Website Recognition. 4x6 signed photo by Aoy, DVD Slideshow/Music of the adventure/ Special Audio CD of Aoy's Secret Cooking Recipes . 100 page - Special Edition hardcover Book -
ONE 30x40 CANVAS MOUNTED PRINT - ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND. CHOOSE FROM ANY OF THE FINE ART PRINTS FROM THE TRIP.

Thank you Kickstarter and all of the future supporters for this opportunity for adventure and inspiration. We promise that this project will captivate thousands and paint a clearer picture while writing a new chapter in the long book of the evolution of human kindness.

We can't wait!

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