Spark...The ArtReach Auction

It was the spring of 2006. We had been in existence for almost a year and a half and HALO was housed in a tiny room of my apartment in Kansas City we were supporting a few orphanages at that time. My roommate Sunny and I held meetings at a garage sale table in our place. We asked almost every person with whom we came in contact to be part of HALO and soon we formed a powerful team.

All the while, artwork from the children in orphanages was delivered to our door every time we turned around and soon enough there wasn't enough space for it all. Spark. The Artreach Auction. Why don't we auction these pieces off? The stories of their lives are expressed in these pieces. We should share them. It will connect our donors. 

Timau Orphanage, Kenya

Our first Ambassador Board came together for nothing short of a miraculous feat in 6 weeks. Volunteers stayed up all night at our place making frames for pieces, putting together silent auction baskets, painting huge flowers that would decorate the room. Since we had a $0 budget, our community donated  the food, the cocktails, the printing donated, almost everything. 

HALO Volunteers Marshall, Sunny, and Monica at 2007 Artreach Auction

I remember walking on the auction stage that night with the first piece of HALO art. I knew it cost $12.50 to frame that piece. I said a little prayer - please, please let someone pay at least $15 just so we cover our expenses. It went for $250. I screamed. We raised $35,000. It was magical.

Fast forward to today. We are supporting 13 homes and programs around the world. We have received thousands of pieces from the kids over the years, expressing their lives, dreams, and realities. To date, The Artreach Auction has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and been held in 3 cities for over 2000 guests to enjoy. Nationally known artists have joined by donating their work to our cause as well. There are hundreds of walls in homes around the U.S. adorned with HALO artwork and a story that goes with each. 

Vera Von Holdenberg, 2009 HALO Artreach Auction

At this event, our supporters get a peek into the lives of the children they support; what life is like in their shoes. We want our donors to be connected to their good works and to watch HALO kids, who have a better life because of them, grow. The 13th HALO Artreach Auction will be held May 6th, 2011. Join us for a magical evening. We are expecting to sell out. Click here to come take a peek.