Lessons from CLOD
by Kristi Potts on 04/30/16
YMCA News Release
(Detroit, Michigan): April 2016
Jeff, Hal and Julie Hanson were the keynote speakers at the Eagle Award Banquet on April 7th held during the 2016 North American YMCA Development Organization (NAYDO) Conference. This year’s conference, which marked the 35th anniversary of NAYDO, was held April 6th-9th in Detroit, Michigan. Jeff Hanson showed a multi-media presentation of his family’s story to over 1,100 YMCA professionals from around the world that attended the conference.
Jeff is the grandson of Darold and Bev Swanson (Red Oak, IA), long-time friends and supporters of the Montgomery County Family YMCA. Nick Zimmer, Executive Director of the YMCA, was instrumental in working with Darold & Bev, as well as the current NAYDO Council leadership, staff and 2016 Conference Planning team to coordinate the Hanson’s keynote address.
Jeff Hanson’s story begins with neurofibromatosis, a genetic medical condition that left him visually impaired at 12. He playfully named his tumor CLOD, and didn’t let it deter him from using his God-given painting talent to become an award-winning artist. “Life”, according to Jeff, “is about lessons learned. Live life with a purpose. Don’t let your CLOD define you. Be passionate in everything you do. Generosity begets generosity.
Philanthropy is also woven throughout Jeff’s remarkable story. He has painted and donated more than $1.3 million in acrylic canvases to over 100 charitable causes worldwide since 2006. The Association of Fundraising Professionals recognized Jeff’s efforts in 2012 by naming him “Young Philanthropist of the Year.” Jeff’s chosen path of philanthropy marked a major milestone on his 20th birthday in 2013: his artwork having generated $1 million for charity in the eight years since he began painting--a campaign he dubbed “One Million by 20!” In that same year, Jeff's story of art, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship was documented in a book, Lessons From CLOD.
Jeff’s beautifully textured paintings show you a field of flowers in Sienna or the Mediterranean’s calming waters from his unique visual perspective. His commissions include paintings for Fortune 500 corporations, hospitals, and private collectors. Most recently Jeff’s brilliant artwork has become couture fashion, with models dressed in hand-painted garments walking fashion runways. Jeff was a People Magazine “Hero Among Us” and appeared on CNN’s “Impact Your World.” CBS Sunday Morning profiled Jeff's story in 2015. The list of awards and accolades given to such a young artist, philanthropist, and entrepreneur resonate with Jeff’s mission of compassion.
For an artist with limited vision, Jeff Hanson is an invincible visionary who lives in a purple-driven, joyous world. His talent and gentle, humble nature fuel a fierce philanthropic and entrepreneurial life spirit, helping to change the world one painting at a time. For more information, visit JefferyOwenHanson.com. Some of Jeff’s paintings can been seen at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak, Iowa that he has donated to the hospital.
NAYDO inspires and strengthens the
philanthropic nature of the YMCA by helping people develop fundraising skills
through a broad array of resources, educational materials, advocacy, research,
knowledge, sharing and events. To learn more about NAYDO visit www.naydo.org
To learn more about the Montgomery
County Family YMCA, one can visit the YMCA’s which is located in the beautiful
Red Oak Legion Park @ 101 East Cherry Street, Red Oak, Iowa, phone the YMCA @
712-623-2161, email the YMCA @ mcymca@mcymca.com or visit
the YMCA’s website page @ www.mcymca.com
