Silent art auction raises about $11K for Haiti missions
By AMY PICARD
Advocate Reporter
GRANVILLE -- Small paintings in vivid colors of fish and fruit and slender figures lined the wall next to large pieces of circular metal work, painted boxes and small toys.
Several pieces had five or six bids already listed on the tag hanging below, with two hours remaining before the silent auction ended.
About $11,000 was raised at 11th annual Silent Auction of Haitian Art, known as Art from the Heart, with all the proceeds going to Healing Art Missions.
"In the long run, it probably raises even more than that because it gets people involved," said Dr. Tracee Karaffa, the group's co-founder and director.
Healing Art Missions was founded in 1999 and treats more than 10,000 patients per year at its medical clinic in Dumay, Haiti. The clinic provides optometry, HIV treatment, surgical and general medical care. A pharmacy, laboratory and community health education are also provided out of the clinic.
The group also runs a primary school that educates and feeds 550 children ages 5 and 15 every year. Several other projects, such as a clean-water project, also serve Haitians.
More than $150,000 is needed per year to run Healing Art Missions. Costs might be increasing even more as food prices increase, said Robert Karaffa, a co-founder of the group.
Rioting and the kidnapping of the agency's administrator has disrupted the organization's services. Still, Healing Art Missions employs more than 50 people in Haiti and has plans to move forward with new projects and greater aid.
The $10,000 that the group traditionally earns at the art show can employ the six doctors, two nurses, technicians and 13 health workers for a month and a half. Or the money can pay for 10 teachers, a principal and an administrator at the school for four months.
All of the art for Art for the Heart is collected by volunteers on their mission trips to Haiti and is purchased from local artisans.
"When we go down, our suitcases are filled with medical and school supplies. When we return they are filled with art," Tracee Karaffa said.
More than 100 bidders were present throughout the weekend.
"I've come every year for five years," said Terry Hribal, a Granville resident. "I think the art is wonderful."
Westerville resident Joanne Miller agreed.
"It is a hands-on thing. You actually know where the money is going. It is a great cause," Miller said.
Music also was provided at Sunday's event by the Tom Carroll, Andy Carlson and Doug Richeson Trio.
http://www.heritagekonpa.com
