(Newswire.net  – January 19, 2013) Camarillo, CA – Shella Norman, Camarillo 4^th grader at University Preparation School has announced this year’s Shella Norman Art Walk will benefit endangered species habitat programs.

Although she is still in grammar school, Ms. Norman is no stranger to fund-raising with 2 successful events already behind her. Her two previous art walks generated over $1,000 which was donated to Susan G. Kormen Foundation for breast-cancer research. Ms. Norman plans to raise even more this year for the cause of Panda habitat protection.

“It really is her program and we are very proud of her.” said her mother, Caroline Norman. “She does the planning and coordination as well as contributing art work. I am just in charge of transportation and e-mail.”

Ms. Norman decided to change the theme this year after her Girl Scout troop adopted ‘Lenny’ the lemur, a resident at the Moorpark Wild Animal program at Moorpark College. Later, on a family trip to Costa Rica, Shella sheltered baby sea turtles on their way to the ocean, protecting them from hungry seagulls. These experiences convinced her of the importance of wildlife conservation and protection.

“I love Pandas” Ms. Norman said. “This year we are raising money for habitat protection because Pandas are the most endangered species.”

As in her previous Art Walk events, Ms. Norman, her class mates and friends will contribute their art, and arrange it for display before the silent auction. Parents, teachers and local art lovers support their efforts. Participating artists enjoy the exposure their work receives and also learn to appreciate charity.

The idea for the Kids’ Art Walks came to Ms. Norman when she was just 7 years old. After cheering for her Grandmother and giving stickers to Susan G. Komen 3-Day breast-cancer walkers, she wanted to do more to help the cause her family supported.

On a later trip to Santa Barbara’s Art Walk, Ms. Norman learned that people were “paying grown-up money” for art she and her friends could do. With those two experiences, the Camarillo Kids’ Art Walk was born.

“I am outraged that Pandas are threatened by habitat loss.” said Ms. Norman. “I hope all my friends can help.”

This year’s event is scheduled for early July to give contributing artists time to complete their submissions. An on-line web site will showcase the artist’s works and allow on-line bidding and donations. For more information on the Shella Norman Art Walk, please visit her web site at http://ShellaNormanArtWalk.Info