Nonprofit Events &
Community Discounts:
Because Giving Back Should Still Look Good
Entertainment That Gives Back — with Caricatures They’ll Never Forget.
Nonprofits deserve the best. Whether you’re hosting a gala, fundraiser, volunteer dinner, or community festival, I offer special discounted rates for 501(c)(3) organizations — including schools, churches, animal shelters, service organizations, and medical facilities.
Why Caricatures Work for Fundraisers
Because laughter opens hearts (and wallets).
Live caricatures instantly turn your event into a joyful, shareable experience. Guests line up, laugh, and leave with a keepsake that includes your logo, message, or sponsor branding — a creative way to make your cause unforgettable.
Perfect for:
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Fundraising Galas & Auctions
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Donor & Volunteer Appreciation Events
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School Carnivals & Church Festivals
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Animal Rescue & Adoption Events
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Nonprofit Medical Facility Celebrations
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Community Outreach Days
About the Artist
Hi, My name is Kathy Buskett. I'm a wife and busy mom probably a lot like you or your own mom.
I'm also a professional FULL TIME Professional Caricature Artist with 26 years of experience.
I love delighting people with my caricatures and that’s why I do what I do.
Birmingham AL
Citywalk
Corporate Event for
Caricature Artist near me
Summer 2024
Where Art Meets Heart
Over the years, I’ve had the joy of partnering with dozens of incredible organizations for their nonprofit events — from hospitals and schools to animal shelters, churches, and community galas. Every event has its own heartbeat and mission, but they all share one thing in common: a room full of laughter and connection. Whether I’m drawing at a black-tie fundraiser, a volunteer appreciation dinner, or a hometown festival, I love helping good causes draw a crowd — one smile, one sketch at a time.
Now, I’m deeply honored to serve as the first Resident Artist in this wonderful hospital’s Artist-in-Residence Program.
Bringing my art to hospitals has always been a dream of mine. Helping a child smile in the middle of a hard day — that’s the part of my job that matters most. I’m endlessly grateful to be part of something that reminds me, every time I pick up a marker, exactly why I love what I do.
USA Health Women's and Children's Hospital
When I was hired to draw at the USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital Christmas tree lighting, I didn’t realize I’d also be visiting patients who couldn’t leave their rooms. As I followed the hospital’s art coordinator down the long, decorated halls, I thought back to my early years working in nursing homes as an activity director. Back then, I believed I had to choose between helping people and making art — that caricatures couldn’t possibly change lives the way nursing or caregiving could. That day proved me wrong. We met so many incredible kids — a little girl in pink who wanted to be drawn as a princess, a teenager joking about surviving septic shock, and another young man who’d lost both legs but kept everyone laughing with his dark humor. Then there was a boy named “Tyrell” (not his real name). He was very sick and in a lot of pain, barely able to lift his hand for a fist bump. When I asked what he wanted to be drawn as, he whispered one word: “Basketball.” So I drew him soaring through the air — strong, healthy, and free — dunking the ball with power and joy. When I turned the sketch around, his whole face lit up. He looked and looked, smiling like it was Christmas morning, and for that one minute he was a normal, healthy kid again. That moment changed me. It showed me that art can make a difference — that it can heal, uplift, and bring light into even the darkest places. Bringing my art to hospitals has always been a dream of mine. Helping a child smile in the middle of a hard day — that’s the part of my job that matters most. I’m endlessly grateful to be part of something that reminds me, every time I pick up a marker, exactly why I love what I do.
Animal Shelter or Fundraising Events
Each year, I have the privilege of drawing for one of my favorite nonprofit events — the Friends of the Mobile Animal Shelter (FOMAS) Gala. It’s a wonderful evening where guests come dressed to the nines, carrying photos of their furry friends. Throughout the night, I create personalized caricatures of each guest with their beloved pets.
Everyone goes home with a keepsake that celebrates the bond between people and their animals — and the proceeds help local rescues continue their lifesaving work. It’s a perfect example of how live art can add both joy and value to a great cause.
Sporting
Tournaments & 5 Ks
One of my favorite nonprofit events each year is the USO 5K Run at the Pensacola Airport. It’s such a unique experience — runners take off right on the runway, circle back, and celebrate with food, music, and plenty of free swag.
I set up near the finish line, sketching runners and their families as they cool down and enjoy the festivities. The energy is contagious — laughter, high-fives, and a real sense of community pride.
I’ve always admired the USO for the joy they bring to servicemen and women and their families. Getting to contribute to the same organization that Bob Hope once performed for feels like being part of something truly special.
Community & City
Events
Over the years, I’ve had the honor of drawing for dozens of nonprofit and community events across the Gulf Coast and beyond. From festivals and holiday celebrations to staff appreciation parties and family fun days, I’ve partnered with cities that know how to draw a crowd — literally!
Cities I’ve had the pleasure of working with include:
City of Atmore, AL
City of Mobile, AL
City of Daphne, AL
City of Spanish Fort, AL
City of Fairhope, AL
City of Foley, AL
City of Robertsdale, AL
City of Ocean Springs, MS
City of Pascagoula, MS
City of Valparaiso, FL
City of Henderson, NV
City of Philadelphia, PA
I’ve drawn for so many fundraisers over the years, I’ve honestly lost count — from school carnivals and charity galas to hospital benefits and community runs. Every cause has a story, and I love helping each one stand out.
If you’re planning a fundraiser and need ideas to make it unforgettable, you’ll find some of my favorite setups and success stories on my Fundraising Page here »
Schools & PTA's
Schools are the perfect spot for caricatures!
Whether it’s a carnival, homecoming, teacher appreciation day, or graduation party, I’ve drawn at countless school events — and they’re always a hit.
I offer a variety of fundraising options for schools, or I can come to draw and inspire your students by talking about careers in the arts, leading hands-on art lessons, and sharing what it’s really like to make a living as a professional artist.
(If you’d like me to speak to your students, please be sure to mention that when booking!)
Some of the schools I’ve been honored to draw for include:
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Explorers Homeschool Co-op
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Ocean Springs Upper Elementary
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Pace High School Homecoming
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Pleasant Ridge Christian Academy
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Rising Stars Preschool
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Spanish Fort Elementary School
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W.J. Carroll Intermediate
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Daphne High School Prom (AL)
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Holmes County High School Graduation
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From student fundraisers to educational talks, school events are one of my favorite ways to combine fun, art, and inspiration.
College Events & Campus Programs
Dean Scott and his stuffed sidekick strike a pose at UWF’s Holiday Luau.
Colleges love caricatures too!
From welcome weeks and homecomings to alumni galas and graduation celebrations, live caricatures bring energy and connection to every campus event. Students line up, laugh, and share their portraits across social media — helping make your college event both memorable and engaging.
I’ve been honored to draw for several amazing colleges and universities, including:
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Auburn University (even a Daddy-Daughter Dance — one of my all-time favorites!)
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University of Nevada, Las Vegas
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University of South Alabama
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Temple University (Philadelphia)
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University of West Florida
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Stillman College
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Columbia Southern University
Whether it’s a student life event, career fair, or fundraiser, my goal is always the same — to make sure your guests have fun, feel seen, and take home a keepsake they’ll treasure.
Library Events
Libraries are close to my heart.
As a longtime homeschooler, I’ve relied on our local libraries as an incredible resource over the years — so I’m always happy to give back a little of that joy through art.
Live caricatures are a hit for summer reading program kickoffs and finales, seasonal celebrations, and even educational art programs that inspire creativity and confidence in young readers.
Some of the libraries I’ve been proud to “draw a crowd” for include:
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Daphne Public Library
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Foley Public Library
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Marjorie Younce Snook Library (Summerdale)
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Spanish Fort Public Library
Whether it’s sparking excitement for reading or celebrating a year of learning, libraries are one of my favorite places to connect art, education, and community.
Special Needs Events
Having 3 neurodivergent kids whom I also homechool has made me learn some serious patience!
I LOVE working with the special needs community and I have worked for many events including:
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The Down Syndrome Buddy Walk
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Mulhern home Birthday Party
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The Autism Behavior Center in Daphne, AL
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Events I Love Working With
Over the years, I’ve drawn for just about every kind of nonprofit and community event you can imagine — each one with its own story, purpose, and laughter.
Some of my favorite events include:
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Fundraisers & Galas
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Churches & Religious Events
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Libraries
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Nursing Homes & Senior Centers
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Elementary Schools & Preschools
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Retreats & Camps
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5Ks & Golf Tournaments
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Black-Tie Events
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Sporting Events & Competitions
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Fashion Shows & Art Centers
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Raffles & Community Festivals
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First Fridays & Market Nights
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Volunteer & Civic Servant Appreciation Events
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City-Sponsored Celebrations
And honestly—whatever else you can dream up!
I even worked a Wheelchair Wash Carnival at a local rehab center — where families enjoyed a full carnival while volunteers scrubbed and repaired wheelchairs. My son Dan volunteered, got stuck washing almost all of them with just one other helper, and somehow ended up interviewed for the evening news! It was one of those days that reminded me exactly why I love what I do — laughter, teamwork, and pure community spirit.
Many of these events are made possible thanks to local businesses and individuals who choose to sponsor my time so that nonprofits can enjoy live caricatures at little or no cost. These sponsorships usually happen on weekday mornings or early weekend events — just like that Wheelchair Wash Carnival.
If you’re interested in sponsoring an event or learning creative ways to raise funds to bring me out, I’ve shared lots of ideas and examples on my Fundraising Page →
Whether it’s sponsored by a local business, funded through a creative fundraiser, or simply powered by community spirit, these events prove that art really can bring people together.
For More Information about Fundraisers, CLICK HERE
Discounted Rates for Nonprofits
Because every dollar matters.
Caricatures are a Great Deal
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Caricatures Function as both Entertainment and Favors. So you're automatically getting a good deal
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Caricatures are the same price or cheaper than a photo Booth. Not to mention they're more Personable and Fun!
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Caricatures are a Bucket- List Item. They often go up on your guest's walls and stay there for years! That's a lot of mileage for what you're paying.
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My usual rates are 199 to 299 per hour. But if you're a nonprofit, School, Servicemen and women, or other worthy cause, you Get a 25% Discount*
Rates include travel within the Gulf Coast region. Proof of nonprofit or government status may be requested.
I regret that I cannot give discounts on weekends due to high demand
I also do Fundraisers
How Hiring me as your
Caricature Artist for
Nonprofit Events Works
It's as Easy as 1, 2, 3
1
2
3
Quick, simple booking with 50% retainer.
I'll add your logo or sponsor info to each page.
Guests laugh, connect, and share — your cause stays in their hearts and homes.
And Then You're All Set!
I will stay in contact over the months leading up to your event.
Please Note:
You are not officially booked until you send in your retainer
Styles and Pricing