Vessels for Charity

Richard Sean Manning

Richard Sean Manning ~ Founder

Richard Sean Manning is an artist and philanthropist who spends his days creating art to help others raise money for their worthy causes. He is a prolific potter who contributes freely of his time and resources to fund art programs in many schools.

He was inspired to provide teachers across the country with a program that would help them to raise money for art programs as well as give back to their own communities through crafting Vessels for Charity.

His mentors include some of the great ceramic masters including Don Reitz and the late Rudy Autio, Paul Soldner and Peter Voulkos.

A founding partner, past VP and board member of The First Tee of St Petersburg, he is an advocate of helping youth excel through good sportsmanship.  He is a recipient of the coveted John Eckerd Memorial Award, and is particularly proud of the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to him from his hometown High School.

Sean believes in empowering students to become life long philanthropists. “Leading by example I will help to plant the seeds of a global consciousness towards charitable giving by empowering students to ‘Make it Personal to Make a Difference”.

Laura Manning ~ Co-Founder

With over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience in marketing, sales and public relations, Laura designed a program around her husbands philanthropic pursuits by co-founding Vessels for Charity Foundation Inc.

She co-produced a video presentation of Sean, aka ‘The ClayMan’, showing students, step by step, how to craft Vessels for Charity as a visual aid for teachers.

Laura founded her own fashion agency in London, England in the 80′s and represented leading designer labels.  She attended the New York School of Interior Design.

Laura’s vision for Vessels for Charity is for it to be synonymous with charitable giving….the next “must have” in every home.

She is currently the COO of The Manning Arts which was established to help 501c3 organizations raise money through ‘Unity Art’ with the potential of raising $250M for worthy causes.

Barbara Webb

Barbara Webb ~ USA School Liaison

Barbara is passionately engaged in service to the non-profit industry as an employee, volunteer and advocate. Barbara believes that by planting seeds of global consciousness, our children may learn and appreciate the benefit of philanthropic giving, and that art can be used to unify our communities.

With over 20 years of management and marketing experience Barbara specializes in the introduction of new programs and services, including formalizing nonprofit marketing strategies. Her focus is to connect strategic marketing and communications to ensure organizational goals are realized.

Barbara recieved her B.A. from Southern Illinois University.

Barbara work with organizations devoted to the Arts Community includes The Tacoma Art Museum, The Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, The African American Historical Museum.

Wanda Laing

Wanda Laing ~ Social Media & Marketing Coordinator

Wanda has been involved in charitable giving for many years. Wanda became involved in Vessels for Charity as a result of her involvement in art and community service. As an artist herself, she believes in personal creativity to make a difference. As she crafts art, she considers the recipient qualities, the purpose of the piece and the impression it may leave.

An avid user of social media, she employs various social marketing strategies and manages marketing campaigns for Vessels for Charity.

Wanda retired from the hospitality industry in 2009 to pursue her interest in mixed media art and stained glass. She is also a jewelry designer specializing in wire wrapped stones.  Her work is showcased at local venues in her home town, Ontario, Canada.