Hope Bridges auction hopes to grow

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

New and returning artists and donors are donating their time and talents to the 3rd Annual Art and Wine Auction, to ensure continuous growth and secure necessary monetary means to offset a lack of government funding.
In keeping with its tradition, the event features art pieces created by the society’s Upcycling workshop participants in partnership with local businesses and residents, and donations from local artists. Thus far, the society has already secured 66 pieces, ranging from paintings, to pottery, to wood creations, signalling the largest variety of art at the auction to date.
“The event is about bringing local businesses, donors, and artists together to create a fundraising event,” said Wanda Reinholdt, program coordinator for the Hope Bridges Society.
“It’s creating a great afternoon event for people on a Saturday that is for a good cause. The money goes towards continuing adult art opportunities for connections.”
Just as the evening contains numerous works of art, wine is also in abundance, with more wine donations than ever before.
While the fundraiser is an annual event and has climbed in popularity and donations over the past three years – raking in over $7,000 the first year and over $8,000 last year – there’s a greater need to meet the $10,000 goal this year.
Despite donations from the United Way, community grants, and community groups, the society was unable to obtain the $30,000 from the Community Initiatives Program (CIP).
“We just hope to keep growing it every year,” said Reinholdt. “So far this year we are 100 per cent funded by the community and by the registrations. All I can say is that we’re happy with the community support. We did not get one of our major grants, and so that money that we’re used to having in the pot is not there.”
The Hope Bridges Society is a non-profit organization that provides its members and the community with numerous workshops and art-based classes. As memberships have increased steadily over the last year, Reinholdt expects another successful turnout, mimicking last year’s attendance of 150 individuals. The event will also welcome back Grant Klaiber as auctioneer.
The 3rd Annual Art and Wine Auction will take place on April 16, at 3:30 p.m. at the Strathmore Golf Club. The fundraiser features a live and silent auction and dress is semi formal. Tickets are $20 and include complimentary wine and cheese. Tickets are available at the door. To reserve call 403-983-3640.