Local students' art benefits Ronald McDonald House - WFXG FOX 54 - News Now

For five students at Davidson Fine Arts School, their paintings and drawings aren't just any works of art.

They're also helping those who need a hand.

"I've always been taught helping people is the way to go," says student Toni Johnson. "I felt if I could do that with my artwork, I was doing something even better."

Art teacher Dawn Moore challenged her students to produce a work of art for the Ronald McDonald House's Light a Light, Share a Night event, which raises money for the charity.

"I was like, 'Oh that's terrific,'" Moore remembers thinking when presented with the idea. "To be able to give back to that organization is really exciting."

The five pieces of art will be voted on by the community. The winning piece will be featured on a Ronald McDonald House card that will be mailed to more than 7,000 people in the area.

The students are just excited to use their talent to benefit the organization.

"It's just a great way to incorporate something that we love and also reach out into the community and try and help in whatever way we can," says finalist Megan Walden.

"As an artist, that's their tool," says Moore. "That's something they can do to give back."

What impresses Moore most was her students' willingness to participate, spending hours of their own time to complete their pieces.

It was a challenge the students say they enjoyed because they were helping others.

"We were able to do something for someone else and not just do artwork for the fun of it," says finalist Breanna Laird. "It was fun but we did it for a purpose."

To find out more about Light a Light, Share a Night and to see and vote on the five finalists, go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ronald-McDonald-House-Charities-of-Augusta/61039068714?ref=ts&fref=ts

The winning piece will be announced November 2.