Sweet Hearts Turn Out for Sweet House Photos in Collegeville

Children posed and played in and around a gingerbread-like house and candy-covered yard at the during Mandy Keep's Sweet House photo shoot Sunday, Jan. 22, benefiting Williams Syndrome Association.

Keep, a Collegeville-based photographer, organized the event in the spirit of "peace, love, faith and believing," and for love of her young son, Max, who has been diagnosed with Williams syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Like any mother, having a child profoundly affected Keep's life and perspective.
"The birth and love of my son was the birth and love of my photography,” Keep .
"I saw peace through him," she added last Sunday, making time for conversation during the busy, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. day.

Area parents -- many of whom had previously hired Keep -- turned out with their tots for group and individual shots on the set. All of the proceeds went to charity. Twenty dollars of the $30 fee went to the Williams Syndrome Association, and $10 could go to a charity of the donor's choice. However, most of the parents interviewed said they opted to give all of their money the Williams Syndrome Association.

Home Depot and Simon Eastmure of Eastmure Custom Builders donated their respective materials and time and talent to build the house, and Keep wanted to thank personal friends and everyone who was involved with event.

"I want to inspire people to use their talents to give back," Keep said.