Waverly House Gifts and Gallery, 2031 S. Waverly, has been in operation for 29 years, and for 20 of those years has hosted annual events to raise funds for area charities. Waverly House will host their annual benefit for A Sporting Chance on Thursday evening, November 3rd from 5-8 p.m.
Eunice Wallar of Waverly House tells KSMU, "we have 30 juried artists from the region taking part in this show," in media including jewelry, kiln-fired glass, pottery, painting and more. As for the name of the show, "Palette to Palate"--well, "palette" should be self-explanatory... it's an art exhibit, after all. But "palate?" Says Eunice Wallar, "For an additional donation by our guests, we'll have Certified Chef de Cuisine Marty Lowery from his new Professional Chefs Services coming, so they can sample some wonderful food. What we're going to do is have folks 'purchase' a plate--and then they can fill the plate!"
In addition to artwork up for sale during the "Palette to Palate" show, which will continue through December 23, there will also be a silent auction on November 3rd consisting of artwork both donated to, and purchased by, Waverly House, says Eunice Wallar. "I want to thank the area artists because they have been so, so wonderful in donating to our auction. Also, Waverly House does give 'Purchase Awards', and with those awards those pieces go into the auction. We pay the artist for their piece, and they go into the auction as well." 100% of the proceeds from the silent auction will go to to A Sporting Chance. A portion of proceeds from regular sale of other items in the show will also be donated to A Sporting Chance, a local not?for?profit whose mission is to develop and provide amateur sports training, competition and recreational programs to senior citizens, any person with any disability, or youth who are disadvantaged, abused and neglected.
"They have basketball programs, golf programs, baseball, track, whatever. They have very little overhead, and we feel like every dollar we raise really goes a long way," says Eunice Wallar, who feels a special personal connection to A Sporting Chance. "I became interested because my grandson plays basketball with this organization. He has Down Syndrome, and this is a wonderful opportunity for him to take part in a number of sports."
In addition to purchasing artwork, patrons will be able to "Adopt an Athlete," to sponsor an athlete for one of the sports for the year--that will be for a $30 donation. "They will see bios of the athletes, and they can adopt whomever they care to," according to Eunice Wallar.
And along with the art, food and fundraising, there will be entertainment on November 3rd, says Eunice. "At 7:00 we have the YES Troupe from Springfield Little Theatre coming to sing. So we'll just have a lot of fun things going on."
For information call Waverly House Gifts and Gallery at 882-3445 or visit www.waverlyhouse.com.
