Raising Funds For The Children's Developmental Center

The Painted Penguin paint-it-yourself ceramics store and children's activity center that features painting, beading, and archeological digs, hosts a weekend grand opening fund raiser Saturday and Sunday, March 25 and 26, at 800 Westfield Southpark Mall in Strongsville.

Half of the weekend's proceeds will be donated to the Children's Developmental Center, which specializes in the assessment and treatment of children throughout Ohio with communication, physical, and developmental disorders, said Michael Nasatir, president of The Painted Penguin. The facility is based in Amherst.

The community grand opening at the 5,000 square foot The Painted Penguin will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., on both days. Participants will select and purchase from shelves full of decorative ceramic and plaster items to paint, such as Disney characters, dragons, dogs, teddie bears, a bust of Elvis, and, of course, penguins. Participants can also choose to dig up dinosaur bones like a paleontologist and choose from bins of ceramic beads to make their own jewelry. While creating original works of art to display or wear, to keep or give as gifts, guests can enjoy Penguin Coolers(smoothies from Antarctica) and a variety of snacks.

At no additional cost they will receive paintbrushes and smocks, paint, glitter, and gloss, tips and techniques. When finished, they will take their creations to the special, glass enclosed "Igloo" and watch employees put on a finishing ceramic sealer. They can take their pieces home with them the same day. Pieces range in price from $1.95 to $175.

Door prizes, including free painting, beading, and archeological dig parties valued up to $104.95, refreshments, and other surprises await those who attend the grand opening.

"We believe strongly in giving back to the communities that support us, especially to children with special needs," said Nasatir.

The Strongsville Painted Penguin is the fifth franchise or company-owned children's activity center where kids can celebrate their birthdays and other occasions. The Painted Penguin can provide pizza, balloons, and party invitations. Other in-store activities include Girl Scout and Boy Scout outings, school field trips, even companies hosting team-building events. The Painted Penguin is also mobile, bringing its creative theme to senior citizen homes and park districts.

"It is satisfying to us when children and their parents come here and work together as a family to make something special," said Nasatir. "There's something about our relaxed atmosphere away from everyday pressures that encourages meaningful conversation while creating pieces of art. It is a regular occurrence at The Painted Penguin," he said.

Five years ago Nasatir was looking to start a business where he could not only be successful (the crafts business is a $26 billion industry) but also spend more quality time with his daughters. Thus, The Painted Penguin. He and his wife, Robin, run the company, with creative input from daughters, Mallory and Victoria. Though fulfilled by his family, Nasatir decided to create a second family, this time comprised of penguins populating The Painted Penguin web site.

"Everyone loves penguins," said Nasatir, whose extended family is headed by Maynard, the patriarch of the family, who is named after Nasatir's father, and others possessing personalities, jobs, hobbies, and personal quirks. One, Trumann, born a Leonberger puppy but raised by penguins (he believes to this day he is one), grew up big, strong, and brave, and has saved his brethren from danger many times, especially from sea lions.

"If penguins could paint, they'd paint at The Painted Penguin," said Nasatir, who added: "Actually, Rockwell, one of The Painted Penguin's Internet family of penguins and a very creative guy, can paint, and The Painted Penguin is his favorite place to do so." For more information contact: Barry J. Sigale, Sigale Public Relations :: (847) 549-8429, FAX: (847) 549-8629

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