Akiane donates a portion of her artwork proceeds to formidable charities such as Kids Free the Kids (abuse, exploitation and slavery of children), Northwest Medical Teams (medical care, food and shelter for orphanages), PANCAN and MACC (cancer societies), Netherlands Kidney Foundation, needy children in Africa and Lithuania, local police and fire departments, Christian schools and churches, and many others.
[link to www.in5d.com]

Six years later it's not weird to the Idaho family of six anymore. Akiane's parents are now converts to her faith and her talent. Her paintings have sold for as much as $55,000. But that's where this little girl throws you another surprise. She's not keeping all that money.



"I want to help the whole world, continue helping the whole world," she said.

Akiane sells paintings and prints and gives substantial amounts of the proceeds to charity.

Her charity this weekend at gallery showings in Bellevue in Seattle is Northwest Medical Teams International: a Portland-based army of doctors and nurses who provide health care services to disaster zones and impoverished populations all over the world.

"It's like a mission for me," said Akiane. "And I want to complete it."

[link to www.komonews.com]