ST. GEORGE – Art lovers of all ages are invited to the “CHAIR-ity” Event hosted by local artist Gina Jrel to benefit the Utah Foster Care Foundation on April 6.
A collection of individuals and businesses have volunteered their time and efforts in building, refurbishing and designing chairs to be auctioned off during the event to raise money for the UFCF.
“I have had a long-standing, strong commitment to use my artwork for purposes that make a positive difference in the world I live in,” Jrel said. “I have been partnered with the Utah Foster Care Foundation for many years through their chalk art festivals, and I have gotten to know the people who run that organization. I was so impressed with their commitment an
d passion, and I believe strongly in their cause.”
The UFCF is a nonprofit agency with a mission to recruit, educate and support foster families to meet the needs of children within the foster care system, said Debbie Hofhines, the UFCF Southwest Region representative.
“Our contracted funds do not stretch far enough to support families who are already sacrificing much to meet the needs of traumatized and hurt children,” Hofhines said. “Due to state budget constraints, resource families are not paid as much as they deserve.”
Mike Hamblin, the UFCF director of foster family recruitment, said the financial support received from the state isn’t able to cover some opportunities that help children in foster care heal.
Hamblin said: “Perhaps the greatest thing donations can help with is what children in foster care need most. Donations can help us reach out to members of the community and find families to care for, love, and nurture children in foster care. Families that can help children heal as their own families work to make home a safe place to return to.”
Jrel said she hopes the community will attend the event to raise funds to help place Utah’s children in need of a foster home. Patrons will be able to bid on chairs from 6:30 p.m. until 7:45 p.m., and winners will be announced at 8:15 p.m. Along with the auction, classical pianist Elise West will be playing live.
“To meet the end goal we need the public to do their part, show up at the event, whip out their kind hearts and wallets, and bid on their favorite chair(s),” Jrel said. “The concept is not new, but I liked it a lot, and I knew it had never been done down here. I thought it would be an awesome way to help a charity of choice and get the public’s creative juices involved and flowing!”
The event will be held at the Gina Jrel Fine Art & Studio located in the 13th & Park Space at 459 North 1300 East, Suite 7, in St. George.
Contact:
Gina Jrel
Gina Jrel Fine Art & Design
13th & Park Art Space
459 N. 1300 E. Ste. 7
St. George, Utah 84770
Telephone: 435-817-0744