Together We Care Gala: A Night of Art, Community and Generosity

On Friday, February 27th, the Presidential Banquet Center in Kettering came alive with creativity and compassion as the Together We Care Gala, presented by Level MB Construction, unfolded. This sold-out event brought together over 300 attendees, all gathered to celebrate the power of art and community collaboration.

The evening commenced with a cocktail hour in the Jefferson Room, which had been beautifully transformed into an art gallery. This space showcased the extraordinary work of the Together We Care artist collaboration partners. The Together We Care (TWC) community artists with We Care Arts' artist clients, resulting in unique collaborative pieces. These artworks are not just expressions of creativity but also symbols of unity and shared vision.

As the evening progressed, guests moved into the ballroom, where the excitement of the live auction awaited. The auction featured 10 remarkable pieces of art, each introduced by poignant video testimonials that highlighted the stories and inspirations behind the creations. Hosts Rodney Veal and Stefanie Finotti skillfully guided the audience through the auction, which saw several thrilling bidding wars.

The event also presented numerous opportunities for guests to contribute to various scholarships. With bidding paddles raised high, attendees generously supported the Creative Edge Board Designated Endowed Scholarship, the Creative Edge Scholarship, and other scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $50.

Celebrating Our Sponsors

The success of the Together We Care Gala would not have been possible without the support of its generous sponsors. Each collaborative pair of artists had a sponsor, ensuring the necessary materials were available for their project. The list of sponsors is a testament to the community's commitment to the arts:

• Matt Scarr
• Lynda and John Erickson
• Rick W./Maureen and Fred Willits
• ADAMHS
• Debbie Leiberman
• Front Street
• Montgomery County Commissioners
• Debbie Deuser
• Doug and Susan Clark (in Emily's name)
• The Davis Group
• JetPack and Sharon Wartinger
• The Westheimer Group
• Blue Coral Creative
• Rubi Girls - Lori Hausfield
• The Modern School of Design
• Redline Automotive
• Jim Porter (Danis)
• McAffee Family Trust
• McAfee Heating and Air
• Elements Interior
• Suzanne Werts Heartland Insurance

The artwork was professionally framed thanks to the generous donations from local framers Custom Frame Services, DAS, and House of 10,000 Frames.

Additional Support and Acknowledgments

Additional sponsors played crucial roles in the gala's success, including Front Street, which provided a gallery opening to preview all the artwork and supplied special stands for the gala gallery. CareSource was the Food and Beverage sponsor, while media sponsors included LAMAR, ThinkTV, iHeart Radio, and Dayton Daily News. Other notable sponsors were the Dayton Society of Artists, Brady Ware, RTA, Routsong Funeral Home & Cremation Services, William Patterson, Donna Berkeley, Peggy Lehner, PNC Bank, Dayton Convention Center, Dayton Foundation, PSE Law, Caprice Lambert, and Lori Daugherty.

The Together We Care Gala was not just an event but a celebration of community spirit and artistic collaboration. It was a reminder of what can be achieved when we come together to support and uplift each other. The success of the evening will undoubtedly have a lasting impact, providing opportunities and support to We Care Arts' Artist-Clients and the community for years to come. Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and supported this extraordinary event. Together, we truly care.