June 21, 2010

Hope for the Gulf

Fifth-grader Olivia Bouler's artwork raises $125,000 for Gulf birds

By Rachael Horowitz

The oil spill off the coast of Louisiana has been dangerous for wildlife in the area. Birds floating in the water and diving for fish become coated in the slick and sticky oil, which then affects their ability to stay warm. Many die of hypothermia (an abnormally low body temperature). Also, the oil can be toxic if ingested.

COURTESY OLIVIA BOULER Olivia drew this illustration of an American Kestrel to raise money for Gulf relief.

Many people want to help, but aren't sure how. Olivia Bouler, a fifth-grader from Long Island, New York, said she couldn't just sit and watch the devastating effects of the oil spill in the Gulf. She had to do something.

An Opportunity to Help

As a budding ornithologist (a person who studies birds), Olivia, 11, was particularly worried about the safety of birds such as seagulls and brown pelicans in the Gulf region. She decided to write a letter to the National Audubon Society, a wildlife conservation organization that has set up recovery efforts in the Gulf. "I wanted to seize the opportunity while I could," Olivia said. In her letter, Olivia expressed her desire to do something. She included an illustration of a cardinal and offered to sell more of her bird pictures to raise money for Audubon's efforts. She signed the letter: "Olivia, 11 years old and willing to help."

The Audubon Society accepted her offer. Delta Willis, an official at the organization, says that Audubon receives many letters. Olivia's stood out from the rest. "The charm of Olivia's letter and the initiative she expressed remain unparalleled," Willis said.

Soon after, people began sending requests to Olivia for one of her bird illustrations—but only after making a donation. When AOL heard about the project, the company made a $25,000 donation and offered Olivia a spot in its online artists gallery.

The Response

Since the spill, "everybody feels so helpless," Olivia said. With her project, she says she's giving people a way to show that they care. She's racked up more than 17,000 followers on her Facebook fan page, "Save the Gulf: Olivia's Bird Illustrations." She can barely keep up with requests from donors for her artwork. To help Olivia manage the high demand, AOL is offering prints of one of her illustrations. Olivia is happy about all of the notice she's getting, as long as it helps the cause. In that case, she said, "I don't mind all the stuff about me."

So far, Olivia has brought in more than $125,000 in donations for Gulf relief. Most of the money has gone to the Audubon Society. When Olivia first began the project, she accepted donations to a variety of charitable organizations. She has limited them to Audubon now. "It's a sweet surprise amid an otherwise shameful horror," Willis said. "She took her anger and sadness and turned it into a beautiful gesture."

Olivia never expected her project to go as far as it has. She says her success should show other kids that they can make a difference, too. "Use your strengths," she said. "My little talent has gotten me this far. I'm just an average fifth-grader who wanted to help."

Olivia says she'll keep the project going for as long as the birds need assistance. Olivia will discuss her work on Larry King Live tonight.

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