An exclusive Munro Review giveaway: artistic hand sanitizer
Leave it to my colleague and friend Teresa Flores, the Los Angeles artist who was a co-host with me on this spring’s “Fresno Famoso,” to come up with a creative idea for a pandemic fundraiser: custom-decorated bottles of hand sanitizer.
I’m so taken with the concept that I’m buying one to give away to a lucky reader of The Munro Review.
I haven’t had a giveaway in months, for the simple reason that I usually give away tickets to live performances. (And those are few and far between these days, as you know.) So now’s your chance to get those comment typing fingers loosened up and ready to play.
Teresa, originally from Fresno, is known for a wide range of cool arts stuff (she has an MFA from Otis College of Art and Design and a B.A. in drawing/painting from Fresno State), including a recent public art collaboration with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
She explains her fundraiser:
Let’s raise some money and feed people! I frilled up these bottles of Germ-X Hand Sanitizer, and you can get one in exchange for a $40 donation to Ready To Help: Mutual Aid Community Network. Each $40 donation will provide a shopping cart full of groceries to one L.A. household from World Harvest Market as part of Ready To Help’s Foodraising campaign.
Each bottle is hand-painted, signed and numbered by yours truly. Use it and refill it when it’s empty. It’s safe to use and not one of the brands being recalled by the FDA. (Look up the list if you use hand sanitizer!)
I’m impressed with Teresa’s commitment to the community and the way she uses her artistic talents to give back.
She tells me: “I’m a member of Ready to Help, and they have welcomed me in to find creative ways to support each other and our communities around Los Angeles to get through the pandemic. It’s important to me to find ways to be actively involved in positive change anywhere I’m living, even if it’s small gestures.”

Teresa Flores, Malcolm Sosa and guest DJ Leonard on an episode of ‘Fresno Famoso.’ All the episodes are archived on the program’s Facebook page.
Here’s how the giveaway works: Leave a reply on this post (see below) answering this question: How many bottles of hand sanitizer do you estimate you’ve gone through since the pandemic began? (Or, if you’ve lost track or just shy, just tell us why you’d like to win one of Teresa’s custom bottles.) Deadline to enter is 5 p.m. Friday, July 31. The winner will be picked at random and notified by email. I’ll arrange to have the prize delivered to you by mail.
The contest is open only to members, donors and individual sponsors of The Munro Review. Tax-deductible memberships start at $5 a month, and you can make a one-time donation of as little as $3. (Paid memberships help keep the site running, and paid members get special members-only benefits. Please consider a paid membership in support of independent, local arts journalism.) A free membership option is available. For details on how to join, go to the Membership and Sponsorship page. No purchase, donation or membership is necessary to enter the ticket giveaway.
If you’d like to buy your own bottle of Teresa’s custom hand sanitizer, here are the directions:
1. Donate via Venmo to @ readytohelp.
2. If you are in the Los Angeles area, contact Teresa through direct message to arrange pick-up.
3. Outside the L.A. area, Venmo $15 to @ teresa_flores and include your address for USPS flat rate shipping.
Javier cabrera
I’ve gone through 2 bottles since I have a couple around the house.
Jackie Ryle
Great idea, Donald! Saw her on Fresno Famoso (which I miss; is it coming back?) and love her! I’m a wipes person so use less sanitizer but love the project!
Gloria Burrola
I miss Teresa Flores and Fresno Famoso! Loved her Experimental Quesadilla Labs and her FresnYoga!
I have used one bottle of Purell sanitizer and one bottle of Trader Joe’s hand sanitizer spray!
FM
I’ve gone through one too many….
Kathy Scofield
We probably have gone through one large bottle so far . We are more of a wash your hands kind of home since my daughter is a violinist and her wife works for Good Company Players . Everyone is home . I enjoyed that show. Come back ! And your hair….my daughter can relate !
Jenn Keran
I’ve gone through 2 bottles of hand sanitizer.
Live Vi-Carrie-ous
I have no idea since we have bottles scattered around the house, in my purse, and in two vehicles. It’s probably several though.
Gina Leong
I’m more of a soap and water gal because sanitizer bottles are usually so plain and industrial looking. So I’d love a painted one because it’s so unique and maybe I’d use more of it. 🙂
Bernice Miessner
I have used 2 -3 bottles of hand sanitizer, but seem to have one in every room and everywhereI look!
Would LOVE to add to the collection!!
susan anderson
I have used 2 small bottles and I have a partial one in my purse and one in my car. Love the fund raiser idea!
Camille Herrera
Love her art work and work in the community!
Linda Ramirez
I make my own but about 2 8 ounce bottles. I prefer soap and water when available.
Linda Hamby
I am really not sure, but I did run out and could not find any in a store. However, my daughter-in-law found some for me. I am using it now, but I don’t like the scent!
Ragini Sharma
I absolutely love your fundraiser idea. That’s a great way to give back to the community and help the ones who are in need.