Former Hollywood Movie Set Builder and Woodworker Sells Pickup Truck to Fund Free Memory Boxes for Grieving Military Families with Laguna Tools CNC Machine

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www.memoryboxesproject.com

Irvine, CA (PRWEB) November 02, 2012

For David Bouillez, a former Hollywood movie set builder turned fine woodworker, the idea for making the highly detailed cherry wood keepsake boxes seemed to come out of the blue. David Bouillez had just finished making a wooden jewelry box for his girlfriend, and she was admiring it as they watched the evening news. David Bouillez operates DB Custom Woodworking and makes engraved humidors, wine boxes and cheeseboards for clients to help pay the bills. DB Custom Woodworking with his Laguna CNC IQ machine helps David bring his ideas into reality. The lead story discussed the latest American casualties in Afghanistan, and the idea seemed to hit them at the same time – why not design a really special keepsake box to offer at no charge to grieving families who have just lost a son or daughter in Iraq or Afghanistan.

That was over a year ago, and Bouillez has committed all of his energy and most of his resources to making his non-profit Fallen Soldier Memory Box Project a reality. He even sold his pickup truck to raise money for a state-of-the-art woodworking machine in order to keep up with the requests for his memory boxes. Selling his truck is nothing compared to the loss and sorrow these people feel he said. This is a labor of love for him, so woodworking creations must be perfect in every detail.

Not only does Bouillez count on the generosity of the public, but the woodworking industry and other businesses as well. For example, Laguna Tools based in Irvine, California, specified a new CNC I.Q. Machine at below market cost to help him streamline operations. They are also helping promote his Fallen Solider Memory Box Project on the company website, LagunaTools.com.

Catherine Helshoj, vice president of Laguna Tools, states that they do whatever they can to support causes that solute our military whom is also a long-time contributor to the Wounded Warriors Project. About ten percent of Bouillez's staff are former military personal, so the wonderful work that Bouillez's is doing strikes a chord with his company.

Bouillez needs all of the donations he can get, since materials for every meticulously crafted work of art costs about $125 per box. The Fallen Soldier Memory Boxes measure about 15 x 10 x 8 inches deep, and are built with exclusively American hardware, materials and wood. “Nothing is nailed together, everything is strictly tongue n’ groove workmanship, with eight different wood pieces integrated for the front of the box alone,” he said. “We handcraft the boxes with solid joinery; pewter handles on the sides, and use a velvet-like material for the lining. The ultimate goal is to offer a box to every family that has lost a loved one in Iraq or Afghanistan.”

The Fallen Memory Boxes also feature an engraved American Flag on the top, the appropriate insignia (depending on branch of service), a stirring silhouette depiction of a fallen solider, and is engraved with the hero’s name. And so far, demand is outstripping donations by a wide margin for these poignant and memorable gifts.

Boxes on display at various wineries in the area, and donations are also coming in from their Facebook page at Facebook/memoryboxproject, as well as their website at http://www.memoryboxesproject.com, but Bouillez needs additional donations to keep up with the requests they're getting, especially this time of year. He only wishes he had another truck to sell.

Bouillez has been getting feedback from some families who proudly displaying the Fallen Memory Boxes in their homes, and filling them with all manner of mementoes – from grade school report cards and athletic ribbons to pictures of them enjoying their favorite activities. Bouillez says its just a positive way that people can share and treasure the love and loss of their sons and daughters in a very respectful way.

If you are interested in making a donation to the Fallen Soldiers Memory Box Project, or would like to learn more about the program, go to http://www.memoryboxesproject.com, visit them at Facebook/memoryboxproject, or call 805-221-5087.

Laguna Tools, based in Irvine, California, has been leading the industry in woodworking innovations for more than 28 years and continues to challenge the industry with new advancements and innovations. Laguna Tools builds and markets a wide range of woodworking tools, from small tools to a number of different CNC machines. At Laguna Tools, we aspire to be “globally local” by investing our time, support, products and services into many community outreach programs. For more information on the Laguna Tools quality line of performance products, please call 1-800-234-1976 or visit our website at http://www.lagunatools.com.

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