PAC GIVES BACK: 200 Beautiful Photographs Donated for Silent Auction results in $20,000 fundraiser for Down Syndrome Network
PAC, Value Art, Vivyx Printing, and the Maricopa Home and Garden Show Make this idea into a reality, through the generous donations of those who helped out, we were able to make this miraculous event happen for The Down Syndrome Network (DSN of Arizona). DSN has a mission to educate, support and advocate for those in the community impacted by Down Syndrome. At this point, the network serves thousands of families and friends of people living with Down Syndrome!
We asked Sarah Hales what she liked best about Down Syndrome Network; she replied, “They provide support and education for families as well as education about and an increased awareness of Down syndrome for the community. I also think it’s great that DSN provides a lot of opportunities for families to meet others to whom they can relate and use as resources.”
When our auction event first began on Friday afternoon, we were not sure what to expect – mostly I think we were just hoping every breathtaking photo would find a home. With a lofty goal of $10,000 we wondered if we would at least make it worth the time for everyone involved. Imagine the energy and excitement on Saturday evening when we surpassed our goal! Sunday came and we created a new goal — $18,000 – Wow! It was amazing to watch the volunteers as they spoke to folks about what we were doing. Each and every person there was passionate, dedicated, and excited and by the end of the weekend, we raised over $19,000. To date we are projected to reach the $20,000 mark with print orders and miscellaneous donations.
One volunteer said “The best part was when this little boy (about 3 years old) saw the picture of Jay Beckman’s airplane and said I LOVE THAT ONE! IT’S GOING OVER MY BED!!”
For one photographer, John Morey, it started out as just a donation of some of his best-selling images. However, in the days leading up to the event, he said, “I knew I wanted to at least promote my own work, but it felt a bit empty.” Families with Down Syndrome always seem like some of the happiest families he knows, and with a specific family in mind, he felt inspired. At this point, the results of the show became personal, and he set aside all of his weekend plans to volunteer so he could “embrace the idea of doing something to help others, without any gain.” What John experienced was a new connection to the power of giving, and he said of the experience, “I was thankful for that.”
A Special thank you to all of the photographers who donated their artwork:
Steve ForbesEmily BristorGarrick Morgenweck
Sandra Klewicki Jennifer Bauer-Leffler John Morey Stephen VanHerpen Philip Guzelf Nicholas Pappagallo Cusi Taylor Heather Butcher Michael McIntier Lisa Langell Charles Browne Alan Ignatowski Neal Burgis Larry Pollock Rob Turchick David March Chris Couture Laura Bavetz Casey Stanford |
Archie TuckerTimothy DenehyPaula Henry
Melissa Gould Phyllis Diener Richard Bauman Mark Friedman Mildred Cotton Charles Turner Jay Beckman Suzanne Mathia Ken Bruce Sarah Hales Brian Fore Tom Cuffari Brian Baril Ann Posiviata Robert Orcutt Erica Hanks Timothy Rocheleau Reid Helms |
Robert SmiceMichael RuizThomas Rzaca
Terri Bruce Tom Speropulos Jaime Muniz Juan Guevara Raymond Vestal Karen Seargeant Patricia Lombardi Carol Hagood Ron Cunniff Shari Miller Ken Sklute Val Valdez Jenny McCarthy Rachel Houghton Linda Kazares Dan Holmes Elyssa Haeussler |
Another special thank you to all who volunteered in this event:
This would not have been possible without several businesses who donated time and resources:
ValueArt, Vivyx Printing, American Home Furnishings, Maricopa Home and Garden Show
To Get involved in the current PACGivesBack Auction March 6,7,8 2015 you can find out more here: Http://www.PACGivesBack.com
Phaedra
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