by Deborah Silverthorn

Special to DJW

When McKenna Lehla sat down on her couch to read her mom's People magazine earlier this year, she didn't know the lasting impression one article could make. Lehla and her Solomon Schechter Academy schoolmate Jamie Schwartz were honored May 24, during the school's Shabbat services, by a visit from artist Eric Waugh who presented the girls with an original piece of artwork they had raised funds to purchase. The girls' panel represents a portion of the angel wing of the child in the painting.

Waugh, a world-renowned artist from Montreal, Canada, was featured in the Jan. 21, 2002, issue of People magazine as the creator of "Hero: The World's Largest Painting by One Artist." Waugh, who came up with the unusual way to help others while creating the art he loves, created the painting, which is made up of 1,656 5x5-foot panels.

Waugh, a world-renowned artist from Montreal, Canada, was featured in the Jan. 21, 2002, issue of People magazine as the creator of "Hero: The World's Largest Painting by One Artist." Waugh, who came up with the unusual way to help others while creating the art he loves, created the painting, which is made up of 1,656 5x5-foot panels.

"I watched a 1995 movie called 'Before Your Eyes, Angelie's Secret,' which was about a Camp Heartland camper and the story inspired me to want to help others." Camp Heartland is an outdoor retreat for children with HIV/AIDS.

Waugh decided to create a painting that would set the record awarded by the Guinness World Book of Records for largest painting by one person - which when compiled was 41,000 square feet - while at the same time splitting the artwork into panels and selling them. Proceeds from the panels, which sell for $2,000 each, benefit both Camp Heartland as well as the Starlight Foundation for ailing children. Thus far, $90,000 has been donated; once the painting has totally been sold, more than $3.5 million will have been raised.

"McKenna read the story and came to me saying she wanted to help the kids," said Tracey Lelah, McKenna's mother. "She's always been a very deep child with a great heart and so we weren't surprised at her interest."

Lelah recruited her friend Jamie Schwartz and they were soon on their way. "My name is McKenna Lelah and I am 10 years old. I read your article in the people magazine [sic] about "Hero," e-mailed Lelah to Waugh on April 18. "I was really touched by your cause to help sick children and decided to ask a friend from school to help raise $2000. We have raised $300 so far. What other pieces of the painting do you still have for sale? Thanks, McKenna ." Ultimately, the girls raised $2,040.

So began the mutual admiration as Waugh was more than touched by the girls' enthusiasm. "Thank you very much for your letter. I am very impressed by your efforts to help me help sick children. You and your friends are true 'Heroes' by helping to sell the 'Hero' painting. Your dedication is truly inspiring," Waugh responded just a day later.

"There are many panels of the painting left. It is going to take a few years to sell it all. This is going to take teamwork to sell the entire painting and I am happy you and your friends are on my team. What are you going to do with the panel that you are going to buy? Thank you very much for your help! Good Luck and best wishes. Your new friend, Eric"

"I love my art teacher, Mrs. Jonas," said Lelah in explaining why they gave the painting to their school. "She's always taught us really creative ideas and she's really nice. Mrs. Jonas even donated some money too."

The school is very appreciative and more than proud of the students. "The idea and practice of tikkun olam, making the world a better place, is a very serious component of the mission of our school," said Head of School Ruth Ritterband. "Our students accept this responsibility as a given and for them, there is nothing unusual or extraordinary about their doing just that. I applaud the efforts of McKenna and Jamie and am delighted that their initiative is part of such an unusual and meaningful activity. Kol Hakavod."

Waugh was further inspired by the girls' efforts such that he has expanded the 'Hero' project. "We have created a ribbon pin from actual 'Hero' canvas held in place with a curlicue stick pin," said Waugh. "The pins will be available to all school and youth groups interested in impacting the lives of young people suffering from terminal illnesses including HIV and AIDS. Children will be able to sell the pins and all monies raised will go to the charities.

"I think the pins are a great idea because schools have so many fund-raisers and this is one that can really help a lot of kids. It would mean a lot to know we were helping people while we were selling them."

"These girls have really big hearts," said Schwartz' mother, Ann. "Jamie is always looking to help friends and family and she really enjoys finding ways to help anyone who needs it. This was a great way to get to share that experience with her friend."

Waugh, who lives in Montreal with his wife Dini and sons Alex, Andrew and Matthew, has sold more than 15,000 original paintings and thousands of fine art posters since 1988. "'Hero' is a chance to do the art that I love and at the same time make a difference and help lots of children," said Waugh.

"We've learned about the 613 mitzvot in our Judaics class and this seemed like a good way to do a mitzvah project," said Lelah. "It was fun because Jamie and I got to do it all on our own and it feels really good to be helping people."