EAST LONGMEADOW – Robert Charles Photography recently announced a goal to raise $20,000 for Baystate Children’s Hospital.

Since 2005, the acclaimed studio has donated over $80,000 to the hospital by gifting its proceeds from sessions purchased in the month of December. During this season of giving, Robert Charles Photography is spreading the cheer even more. In an effort to reach their ultimate goal of raising $100,000, Robert Charles Photography has put together a special holiday package available until Dec. 23. All of the proceeds from the sale of these packages will benefit our area’s only children’s hospital.

For a donation of $79 to Baystate Children’s Hospital, donors will receive a photographic session, an 8x10 signature portrait, digital images for social media and a surprise gift. Two other companies have stepped up to help in this year’s effort; Pop’s Biscotti & Chocolate of Wilbraham, along with the Delaney House of Holyoke. Both have offered to provide extra-special gifts to those who make a donation. The retail value of the holiday package now exceeds $350.

To make a donation and receive a holiday package, you may call 525-4264, or visit www.robertcharlesphoto.com. Holiday packages may be purchased as a gift, or used for the family making the donation. The sessions can also be scheduled up until April of 2016. There are a limited number of packages available and the fundraiser will come to an end on Dec. 23.

This being its 10th year, the fundraiser is being held in honor of studio founder, Robert Charles Zemba who was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Type IV brain cancer back in 2005.

“We are not only celebrating our tenth year of our fundraiser, but Dad’s incredible survival!” Edward Zemba, studio president, said. Zemba noted that the company’s experience with numerous families in need over the years, led them to start the fundraiser. Just recently, they had the honor of photographing “Joe Joe,” Children Miracle Network’s Champion for 2015.

“It’s kids like Joe Joe who have inspired us to take this on each year. At 10 years old, he’s already experienced; Leukemia, Down Syndrome, Appendicitis, a collapsed lung and Thyroid complications. This would be enough to knock down most adults I know. However, not Joe Joe. He’s by far one of the most gregarious, passionate and loving kids you’ll ever meet. If our fundraiser can make his life just a little easier, then it’s all worth it,” Zemba said.

As the only accredited children’s hospital in the region, Baystate Children’s Hospital provides a comprehensive range of children’s primary care and sub-specialty services — over 50 inpatient and outpatient services in all, including many not found anywhere else in our region.  Each year over 40,000 local children are seen at Baystate Children’s Hospital from newborn infants to adolescents.  Baystate Children’s Hospital also includes the area’s only Pediatric Emergency Department and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which is the regional tertiary care facility for newborn infants delivered in Western Massachusetts who require highly specialized care.

Established in 1986, Robert Charles Photography is a family-owned studio which represents a second generation of award-winning portrait artistry. Their studio regularly photographs families from throughout the greater New England area and beyond. Owners, Edward and Robert Zemba have traveled the country teaching photography. Their work has been published in numerous international magazines such as, Professional Photographer and Lens Magazine. Their portraiture has also been featured on network television shows such as ABC’s, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. They have won many awards over the years, but were especially proud of being named photographer of the year by the Professional Photographers Association of America. As portrait artists, they approach each subject with emotion and passion. Whether working with newborns or families of 15, they are committed to creating artwork that reflects the unique relationships found in each of the families they photograph.

For more information on Portraits for Baystate Children’s Hospital, call Robert Charles Photography at 525-4264. To view examples of their work, visit, www.robertcharlesphoto.com.