Art for Kid's Sake auction benefits at risk kids in the community

  • By Kyle Valentini
  • December 3, 2012
  • 389
                        
Summary: Claymont students in grades 9-12 helped raise money for a local organization that helps at-risk kids when they held a silent art auction last week. Students in grades 9-12 at Claymont High School at Uhrichsville got a chance to help others on Thursday, Nov. 29 when they hosted an art auction to benefit the Village Network, a non-profit organization with 14 offices in Ohio including one in Uhrichsville. The mission of the Village Network is to promote responsible living and positive change in troubled children through partnerships with families and communities. Since 1946, The Village Network has specialized in the treatment and care of troubled youth. Integrated programs include residential treatment, day treatment, foster care and alternative school programs. The Art for Kid’s Sake silent auction included work from students as well as teachers from the high school and alumni. Many mediums were represented including clay, pencil, ink, painting, metal, mixed media and computer graphics. All art work was created with either a Christmas or child theme and could not include trademarked images. Representatives from the Village Network attended the auction that lasted from 6-8 p.m. that was held in the school’s auditorium. “We are grateful for the commitment Claymont art students have to our organization,” said Camille Lindon, assistant network coordinator at the Village Network. “Some of the students participating in tonight’s event are kids that we serve. We didn’t realize that until we arrived.” Carrie Kunkle, a 10 year veteran art teacher in the district headed up the event that is in its second year. “This is the first year we have raised money for the Village Network. I didn’t know they existed we started researching local organizations that assist our young people,” said Kunkle. “They play a vital role in the lives of many kids who attend Claymont and we are happy to be able to help them with this fundraiser.” Students in grades 9-12 were assigned by Kunkle as well as Industrial Technology teacher Chett Peters and Computer teachers Diane Albaugh and Casey Mayo to create a piece for the auction. Some students took on the assignment with more enthusiasm than others as members of the art club but in the end the students that participated came to understand the project was as much about helping others as it was being creative. “Some of the kids recognized the hardship of giving up something they had created,” said Kunkle. “I believe knowing they were giving it up for a purpose made it more meaningful for them.” Best friends Kayla Slater, a Claymont junior and Jess Cunningham, a senior both participated in the auction. “I was happy to do this,” said Cunningham. “I love art and I am considering making it my career. I was voted most artistic so everyone pretty much thinks of me as an artist.” Cunningham will be attending Muskingum College next fall where she plans to study art. “We celebrate the small stuff and every success story is important,” said Lindon. “Some of our former clients keep in touch with us through letters and email or by stopping in to see us. It inspires us to know we can make a difference in the lives of these kids. We are always looking for foster parents for kids in the community. We currently have 15 kids in foster care in Tuscarawas and Coshocton Counties. Those that qualify for fostering might be couples or singles with or without children or perhaps those who have already raised their children and are able to help other kids.” More than $450 was raised to benefit the Village Network. Kunkle and the students were assisted in their efforts by Union Hospital, Dreamsville Cakes, Dairy Queen, McDonalds, Rod’s Donuts, Dennison Yard, Breadhead Bakery and Claymont staff members who volunteered at the auction. For more information about the Village Network call them at 740.922.2144.


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