Meridian HealthCare Foundation Kicks Off with DECA Art Auction
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — The Meridian HealthCare Foundation’s first fundraising event, the DECA Art Auction, will take place on Oct. 27 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Youngstown.
The DECA Art Auction is an interactive art auction featuring artists from across the nation. Eleven one-of-a-kind works of art centered around the concept of “hope” will be up for bid, including a piece by local artist, Jenna Hudock. Tickets to the event are available online and individuals unable to attend can bid online, beginning October 17.
Bidding on artwork is available to the public, nationally, HERE from Oct. 17 to 27 ending at 8 p.m.
Winners will be announced at 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 27 at the live event. Online bids do not require an event ticket.
VIP single event tickets are $75. VIP ticket holders will get exclusive early access at 5:30 p.m. General admission is $50 and grants entry at 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased HERE. Deadline to purchase is Oct. 10.
The in-person DECA Auction event features heavy appetizers by Chef Mark Canzonetta and will take guests through 4 zones of interactive displays:
D (Dream of a new way): A recreation of Andy Warhol’s Silver Clouds installation
E (Expression of one’s unique journey): Blackout poetry workshop with Michael Nyers
C (Courage to heal): An interactive Matisse mural that encourages guests to write what “hope” means to them
A (Of art: “Creativity takes courage”- Henri Matisse): An in-person and virtual art auction (all pieces will be on display)
A deluxe chance auction will also take place, allowing guests the opportunity to win original artwork, a private VIP Tour of The Butler Institute of America Art, cooking classes for 6 at the renovated Public Library, and other unique experiences.
Featured artists include Phillip Smallwood, Cecelia Ivy, Jenna Hudock, Bob Peck, Lindsay “Bones” Cordero, Kelley Booze, Michael Novotny, Mary Ann Sedivy, Deborah Campana, Claire Hardy and Deavron “The Urban Explorer” Dailey.
The foundation’s inaugural event will also feature songwriter/musician, Marc Lee Shannon (former guitarist for Michael Stanley’s band, The Resonators) as the keynote speaker. A passionate advocate for addiction recovery, Shannon has authored a monthly column, “Sober Chronicles,” for The Devil Strip. His podcast, “Recovery Talks – The Podcast,” features lantern holders and lighthouses that freely share their sobriety and mental health journeys. Marc has also collaborated with Youngstown favorites, The Vindys, on several projects.
“We are humbled by the national response to our call for artists to join us in this fundraiser. Their contributions and dedication to our mission are a testament to the pervasiveness of mental health and addiction issues that touch all our families, towns, states, and, indeed, country,” said Larry Moliterno, president and CEO at Meridian HealthCare. “The need for help is great, and Meridian, along with our partners, will always be there to answer that call.”
Meridian HealthCare launched its Meridian HealthCare Foundation to better serve those in need and recognize other organizations dedicated to improving the Mahoning Valley. The foundation provides support to community-based programs and services that enrich lives and accommodate the increasing need for comprehensive, LOCAL care.
“Meridian HealthCare’s DECA Auction is a dynamic announcement that our Foundation is committed to giving back to the Valley. Funds raised at the Auction and moving forward will increase access to mental health and recovery services, provide innovative drug-free pain management, grow primary care services for all populations, and support others in our community that are working tirelessly to improve the lives of our neighbors,” Moliterno said.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
