Art auction benefits DreamCatchers

Friday, January 18, 2013

An art auction will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 to benefit DreamCatchers New Hampshire, a nonprofit organization that provides adolescents, teens and young adults with disabilities the opportunity to take part in fun activities, develop social skills, form friendships and build self-confidence.

Ongoing meetings are held at chapter sites, similar to the way Scouts operate. DreamCatchers NH offers members a comfortable and appropriate environment that embraces differences and offers acceptance and belonging.

The Art Show fundraiser is being organized by the UNH Manchester Students in Free Enterprise team, which has chosen DreamCatchers NH as one of its support projects. SIFE is an international organization that mobilizes students around the world to make a difference in their communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders. Last year’s SIFE team returned from New York City as the regional champions.

The students in the SIFE team working on this project are Stephanie Cofrin, Sinehan Ercengiz, John Plummer, Eric Brunelle and Ryan Pitts.

“Their energy and creativity is simply amazing. These are bright students and we’re fortunate that they have chosen DreamCatchers NH as their competitive project,” said Michele Petersen, board president of DreamCatchers NH.

The team will assist DreamCatchers NH in developing logo, establishing social media, creating a video, and organizing a fundraising event. The artwork for the show will be created by DreamCatchers NH members, providing an opportunity to socialize and establish or solidify friendships with other individuals with disabilities. The SIFE team will also explore possible opportunities to create greeting cards that could serve as an additional revenue stream for DreamCatchers NH.

Business professor Kelly Kilcrease serves as the Walton Fellow responsible for advising the SIFE Team.

“The students are pouring their energy into this project. It’s an amazing opportunity for them to apply what they have learned in the classroom, and the benefit to DreamCatchers is enormous,” Kilcrease said. “They are determined to have a successful event for DreamCatchers and I hope the community will support their efforts.”

The SIFE team is currently seeking sponsors for the Art Show. For more information on support opportunities, contact Michele Petersen at Michele@DreamCatchersNH.org or 785-0824.

The art show will be held at the auditorium at UNH Manchester, 400 Commercial St. There will be a silent and live auction and refreshments. There is no fee to attend but registration is required. Register online at dcnhart.eventbrite.com.

For more information about DreamCatchers NH, visit www.DreamCatchersNH.org or contact Michele Petersen.