NORWICH – In April The Place in Norwich held a cocktail fundraiser at the Uncorked Cafe and Lounge, the impact of which is still resonating throughout the community. At the event paintings were auctioned off that had been created by the children of The Place in the style of Jackson Pollock, and some community members decided to donate the paintings.
“We had 60 guests, sold 38 paintings and all of our silent auction baskets, and received 23 weeks of sponsorships for the families of our KIDS program. We raised a net total of $4,188.95. This will help us to continue to provide the programs that the teens and children in our community need,” states The Place Facebook page.
The generosity did not end there. Both Jim Butterfield and Christ Brunner donated a framed piece of art to The Place so that children can view it daily.
“Thank you to Jim Butterfield and Chris Brunner for donating back the painting the children and teens created at The Place, and for having it framed for us. It looks great on the wall in our activity room,” states the Facebook page.
Joe Gonzalez recently donated paintings that he purchased at the fundraiser to UHS Pediatrics in Norwich, which are located on a wall between exam rooms at the pediatric office.
“I have gotten to know Rebecca Sands, the Executive Director at The Place, since that event and I am very supportive of her efforts and the value that The Place can bring to a community like Norwich,” said Gonzalez in an email when asked what inspired him to donate the paintings. “I have been very fortunate in the cards I have been dealt in life and I realize that not everyone is lucky enough to get the same hand. It is important to give back in whatever way we can. My kids have benefited from growing up in a safe and supportive community here in NY and this is just one small way that I can give back.”
In regards to the paintings themselves he said, “To me it's just the combination of color that I think is neat, that strikes me.”
He continued, “The kids who did the paintings, they know their pictures are on display. They seemed pretty stoked about it.”
Said Executive Director Rebecca Sands in an email, “When I first came up with this event idea I did not know whether or not it would be successful. I just thought, 'Hey, this is sort of a cool idea.' I am so amazed to see that even after the event, I am still getting feedback. Joe’s donation to the hospital (and the other donation) has made this event become some much more than a way of raising funds—it has become an opportunity for the youth of our organization to leave a positive footprint in the community.”
Gonzalez explained his reasoning for choosing the hospital.
“Having had a son who spent a very long time in a pediatric ICU, I know how sometimes even little things like a little bit of color or some positive reinforcement that your child will be OK can help you make it through the day. The hospital seemed like a perfect choice to complete the circle' for these paintings,” he said. “The Place received some much needed funds from the sale, the kids that painted the pieces get to experience the feeling that their work is being appreciated, and finally the kids, parents, and employees at the hospital get to appreciate the kid's art and may discover a service that The Place offers that they may have not been aware of.”
Dr. Kristina Hummer and Dr. Christine Wilson, providers at UHS Pediatrics in Norwich, also appreciated the importance of such a gift and expressed their thanks.
They said, “Having the artwork done by children in a place where other children can see it inspires them to tap into their creative side instead of turning to electronics for entertainment. It also makes the clinic brighter and more cheerful for the children and adults being seen.”