Inspired by a chance meeting between an artist and a homeless man, the Honor Card program has raised more than $2.3 million for homelessness in North Carolina since William Mangum's participation began 20 years ago. The 2008 Holiday Honor Card features the painting "First Light" by Mangum, depicting a tranquil scene of a homeless person entering to worship in solitude at St. John's Chapel in the mountain village of Valle Crucis. Honor Cards are available for a minimum donation of $5 per card each holiday season in nine communities across the state, with 100% of the proceeds going to provide services for the homeless.

Each year, the Honor Card features a contemplative painting by Mangum, one of the most respected and collected artists in North Carolina. Starting with a 59-cent tray of watercolors, he has produced more than 3,000 originals. Mangum's introduction to the plight of homelessness came through an appeal from a hungry man one morning in a Greensboro fast food restaurant. Mangum bought the gentleman breakfast and took him to Greensboro Urban Ministry for shelter, clothes and food-and ultimately became his caretaker for three years.

With a donation of $5 or more, a person receives an Honor Card that he or she inscribes to someone they wish to "honor." Cards are available from the following non-profit agencies: Greensboro Urban Ministry, Crisis Control Ministry in Winston-Salem, Urban Ministries of Wake County in Raleigh, Greenville Community Shelters in Greenville, Allied Churches of Alamance County in Burlington, Urban Ministries of Durham, Exodus Homes in Hickory, ABCCM Shelter Ministry in Asheville, and Fayetteville Urban Ministry.

Since donations from Mangum and the Wachovia Foundation cover all the production costs, 100% of the proceeds go to the agencies to help the homeless in each community.

To commemorate the 20th anniversary, Mangum will have a special art display at his gallery at 2166 Lawndale Avenue in Greensboro to showcase the annual paintings that have been used for the Honor Card during the 20 years, complete with stories behind the cards.

For more information about the Honor Card, call the William Mangum Fine Art Gallery at 336-379-9200.