2009 Gardner-Betts Art Austin - May 13th

A happy brisk and finally wet day,

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read the following letter concerning the Gardner-Betts Project Bridge Program annual art auction that takes place on May 13th. A slide show of the art can be found here.

Although the people in our lives are many and diverse, we tend to most often interact with those whose backgrounds and experiences are similar to our own: as a result of our routines, interests, and hobbies. However, many of us donate time, material, money, and expertise to those who have a different and perhaps more challenging life path. The impact of our subtle actions and donations can have a measurable and real impact on others in our community.

The Gardner-Betts program is a subset of the Travis County Juvenile Probation Department, addressing both the needs of the children who have committed offenses as well as the families and victims of these occurrences. The arts portion of the program encourages the dual positive impact of personal exploration and creation for the probate participants, along with community involvement thus providing a path towards rehabilitation through community support.

The Gardner-Betts’ Project Bridge Program was founded in 1996 and focuses on art and music education, immersion, and creation for high-risk juveniles. The Art Auction, an annual event occurring on May 13^th, 2009 showcases selected work of incarcerated children. The first purpose is to silently auction the artists’ work for the purpose of raising funds for the coming year’s program. Possibly more important than the first, the second purpose is to provide a forum in which the artists can observe and interact with the patrons and community. Positive communication, interaction, and feedback (for those artists present as well as those who are unable to attend) with the community are essential parts of the program.

The Real Estate Council of Austin Gardner-Betts committee and I encourage you to look at your charitable budgeting for the year and find an acceptable level of monetary support (any amount truly does help). Possible levels of sponsorship are attached, encompassing both donation amounts and different ways your group, self, organization, or memorial can be recognized or associated with the program and its marketing campaign. Even if you are not able to fiscally contribute to this event, I implore you to find time to stop by the show on the 13^th of May, or to visit the exhibition space during the week leading up to the event to see the art displayed and make bids if so moved. Further details will be disseminated as the event date grows closer; but please take a look at your charitable options, mark your calendars for the 13^th of May, and pass this along to your friends and colleagues.

Feel free to call with any questions or if you would like to learn more about the program or this particular event.

Thank you for your time and participation.

Sincerely,

Jeff

Jeff Scott P.E.
PBS&J
(512) 342-3481 Direct
(512) 327-2453 FAX
LEED-AP, C.F.M., & MBA
jrscott@pbsj.com

Art Link: http://vt.realtour.biz/?P=44436&T=NOTIDX

Event: Art Show and Auction

Wednesday, 13.May.2009 – Event Day: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, 7 May – Event Day: lobby hours (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.) Art Viewing and silent Auction.

Art Show and Auction Location: 98 San Jacinto Center Lobby