Posted on August 31, 2020
Sales from Grand Rapids photographer’s new book to benefit Mary Free Bed Kids
Brian Kelly’s new passion project exemplifying his love for the city of Grand Rapids will help two local organizations near and dear to his heart.
The popular Grand Rapids photographer is publishing a book of aerial photographs offering a unique perspective of the city. “AERIAL: Grand Rapids from Above” is a 100-page coffee table book featuring over 50 colorful views of area landmarks taken by Kelly with his drone.
Kelly launched a Kickstarter campaign to help with printing costs and as a place to pre-order copies. The project has raised about $23,000, far surpassing his $6,000 goal.
“(My wife) and I feel strongly that this book should have a positive impact on our community,” Kelly said in a Facebook post. “That’s why a portion of every book sold will be directed to two great Grand Rapids organizations that have impacted our family.”
A portion of proceeds will go to the Mary Free Bed Foundation’s Full Peds Ahead – An Initiative for Kids to improve access to specialized care. While Mary Free Bed Kids provides care for young patients recovering from a wide range of illnesses and injuries, new and expanding specialties include chronic pain, cerebral palsy, early development and autism. The Foundation hopes to raise $10 million over the next 10 years to grow programs and increase support for uninsured and under-insured children.
Kelly’s daughter, Faith, who was born with cerebral palsy, is a long-time patient of Mary Free Bed. She most recently was an inpatient with Mary Free Bed Kids following bilateral reconstructive knee surgery in February. Family friend and bestselling author Mitch Albom shared a video with Paige’s team to thank them for their work with her.
Another part of the proceeds will go to Disability Advocates of Kent County.
For more information about the book or to place an order, click here. The deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday.
In the media:
FOX 17 featured a story about Kelly’s book: GR photographer reimagines city with new coffee table book
Kelly also discussed the book with WGVU: Grand Rapids from Above
