SILENT AUCTION WILL BENEFIT LIFE FOOD PANTRY

PRESS RELEASE: Art League of Loveland (ALL)  (NOTE: Edited for publication)

LOVELAND, OH (October 19, 2022 )- Loveland artists are once again presenting the “Giving Trees Event,” a creative community art project for charity during the holiday season.

Once sponsored by the Loveland Arts Council, Loveland Artist Monica Achberger is initiating and chairing this event in collaboration with the Loveland Artists on Main (LASM) and the new non-profit Art League of Loveland (ALL).

The event involves decorating a Christmas tree, which is then placed in a silent auction to benefit a local charity. Achberger selected Loveland’s food pantry.

The Loveland Interfaith Effort (LIFE) Food Pantry has been serving the Greater Loveland community since 1988 by providing food and support for those in need.

“The pantry is currently experiencing high volume, and 2022 donations are not keeping up with the need. Last year we served 7,780 households, which was four times the amount of the prior year. In addition to food, LIFE provided more than $30,000 in financial assistance last year for clients who were in danger of losing housing or having essential utilities disconnected.” – Linda Bergholz, Executive Director of LIFE. 

The new non-profit Art League of Loveland (ALL) donated the seed money to purchase the trees, which come in a variety of sizes, and Achberger has already gathered the support of more than 30 artists and community organizations.

“Participants include many of our renowned Artists on Main residents,” said Achberger, “such as Jamie Morath, Teresa Nieberding, Tom Post, Mary Beth Thompson Dowlin, Debby Combs, Gayle Hixson, Kim Wanamaker, and Lucinda Peterson.”

Achberger also mentioned how the LIFE Food Pantry and other area organizations are helping out as well.

“Loveland’s LIFE Food Pantry is also decorating a tree for the auction,” Achberger said, “along with the Loveland Museum and several community organizations, including the Loveland Stage Company, Loveland Women’s Club, Loveland Girl Scout Troop #41127, and Loveland Music Academy.”

 Achberger solicited tree design assistance from the Loveland Downtown community as well.

“We have several local businesses participating— for example, Whistle Stop Clay Works, Mile 42 Coffee, and Gina-Dubell Smith’s Designed2Sell Team, to name a few,” she said. “Christy Jones and realtor team are sponsoring our event this year.”

While decorating the trees for LIFE is its own reward, Achberger and ALL have provided additional incentives for the “Giving Tree” creators.

“To add to the fun, we’re offering ribbons and gift card prizes for the participants,” said Achberger. “There will be such as the ‘Most Creative Use of Materials Award’ and a ‘Viewer’s Choice Award.’ Those who bid on the trees will have an opportunity to give back to the participants by nominating them for special recognition.”