Portraits for Gaza
My name is Colleen Murtha, and I’m a local photographer here in Columbus, Ohio. For months...really, years - I’ve been watching what’s unfolding in Gaza, and my heart has ached for the children and mothers there. No food. No safe place to take cover. Hospitals in rubble. I often found myself saying, “I don’t know what to do.”
As I started sharing these feelings with friends, I realized so many others were saying the same thing. That’s when I decided to take what I have - my camera, my voice, and my community - and try to make a difference.
So I reached out to four incredible photographers - Megan Leigh Barnard, Abigail Reeder, Cait Rose, Emma Parker and Rachel Joy and together we created Portraits for Gaza, a fundraiser built on creativity, compassion, and community.
What is it?
On September 14, 2025, from 12:30–4:00 PM at 400 W Rich in Columbus, we’ll be hosting portrait sessions. Each session is a minimum donation of $150, and participants will receive 3–5 edited images from the photographer of their choice (delivered within 4–6 weeks).
Where is the money going?
100% of proceeds will go directly to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), a trusted non-profit with people on the ground in Gaza providing urgent medical relief, food, and aid.
Why this matters
According to UNICEF and the UN, an average of 28 children are being killed every single day in Gaza. Over 17,000 children have lost their lives since this war began. These are lives that should have been filled with school, laughter, and safety—but instead, they’re cut short by violence and hunger.
This fundraiser is our way of saying: We see you. We will not stay silent. We are standing up for what’s right.
Our Goal
We’re starting with a goal of $1,500, but I believe our community will blow past that number. Every dollar matters, and if you can’t make it to the portrait event, you can still give here on GoFundMe.
This is more than a fundraiser. It’s a chance to put our money where our hearts are, to stand together, and to bring hope to children who desperately need it.
Thank you for being part of this.
With gratitude,
Colleen Murtha & the Portraits for Gaza team
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