Photo Credit: Thomas Garza
On Friday, April 29, 2016 the art community was out in full force to support Dallas Challenge’s largest fundraising event of the year, Art From The Heart Celebrity Art Auction and Benefit. This amazing event featuring the artwork of celebrities, professional and young artists was held just minutes from downtown Dallas, at Lofty Spaces, a unique venue with breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Dallas Challenge is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of youth in the Dallas community by providing programs addressing destructive behaviors that affect the overall health and well being of children, teens and young adults. It prides itself with its mission of helping kids stay in school, off drugs and alcohol and out of the criminal justice system. Understanding the severity of problems faced by today’s youth, Dallas Challenge is dedicated to positively impacting the lives of every child in the Dallas community that needs their help. Since 1984, they have successfully transformed the lives of over 170,000 at-risk children with the use of unique prevention and treatment services that combine both conventional and unconventional methods of counseling.
Unfortunately, programs like the ones that Dallas Challenge provide go severely underfunded and year to year they must find new and creative ways to compensate for the lack of funds. The Art From the Heart Celebrity Art Auction and Benefit is the culmination of all their efforts. It is their largest and only fundraiser of the year.
Steve Kemble, “America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru,” was emcee for the 20’s themed cocktail party full of beautiful artwork, cool bites and beverages. Guests had the opportunity to silently bid on works of art donated by Dallas Challenge students, celebrity artists including Hollywood stuntman and artist Carl Paoli and Bravo’s Real Housewife of Dallas, LeeAnne Locken. Local designers also contributed by donating luxurious pieces of “wearable art,” ranging from a couture clutch by Kathy Fielder to a hand beaded gown by Esé Azénabor. As guests mingled, they were able to watch a live painting session by local artist, Leighton Autry, which later went on to be auctioned off.
This beautiful evening could not have happened without the dedication of its amazing Host Committee, Chairs, Sponsors and most of all, it could not have happened without the support of the community. Dallas Challenge looks forward to a new year of making a real difference in the lives of youth and continuing to help them reach for the stars.
