SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Families wanting a picture with the green holiday critter known as the Grinch can head to Z'Berg Park in South Sacramento between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday for a pop-up fundraiser.
Survivor's Media co-founder Paula Gardner says she independently organized 'Photos with the Grinch' to help fundraise for a mural project under The Michelle Benavidez Foundation.
According to Gardner, the foundation was named after her niece Michelle Benavidez who was sexually assaulted and killed in 2021.
A mural was created in Benavidez' honor, but Gardner said other families with loved ones lost to violent crime deserved murals as well.
With three murals created across South Sacramento so far, Gardner said more and more families have expressed their interest to her in creating murals for their loved ones.
"Half of the funds are going toward helping pay for the murals, and the other half is going toward the young kids in the community helping run the event," she told ABC10. "We started doing fundraisers about two years ago. Our second mural cost $17,000 but we only got $8,000 in donations — that's why I know these fundraisers need to happen."
The 'Photos with the Grinch' is open to the public, and costs $25 per photoshoot. There will also be free kids hot chocolate. Other days to check out the photoshoot include:
- Garcia Bend Park - Nov. 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Elk Grove Park - Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Z'Berg Park - Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Garcia Bend Park - Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- William Land Park - Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
