CASA Fundraiser Auction Features ‘Mysterious’ Art Piece
CASA Fundraiser Auction Features ‘Mysterious’ Art Piece
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
CASA Fundraiser Auction Features ‘Mysterious’ Art PieceThe featured auction item at the Nov. 9 CASA of Kosciusko County 17th Annual Holiday Festival fundraiser has a bit of mystery to it.
“It looks like a needlepoint,” said Michael Klondaris, who owns the art piece and framed it. “It’s got a 3D look to it. It’s silk. It’s real pretty. It’s just really pretty. It’s black and white but it’s got a gold, silvery tone to it.”
The piece – possibly Japanese – is of a home by a river with a mountain in the background. Klondaris said he didn’t know if it’s Mt. Fuji or not.
He said it’s very old, but didn’t know exactly how old it is. “For some reason, it’s been at (Cox) Studio forever and ever and I don’t know where it came from. I was cleaning some things out and I ran across it, and I thought, ‘What am I ever going to do with this?’”
When the CASA auction came along, he thought the piece was “so pretty, someone might actually want to have that.” He framed it and put museum glass on it. “It’s really nice.” He gave it to CASA in hopes of helping CASA raise money for their cause “because it’s a good cause.”
“It’s just very, very unusual,” Klondaris said of the piece. “And if you turn it, it looks like it’s 3D. That tree looks like it stands out from the mountain. It’s got some depth to it.”
Though it’s a mystery where it came from, he estimated the value of it at around $400.
The fundraiser for CASA is from 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Image Air Charters Hangar. The theme is “Unlocking the Door to Their Forever Home” with a steampunk garden feel.
Event admission is $100 and includes a meal and wine. Cost for a table of eight is $775.
“This event raises nearly half of CASA of Kosciusko County’s annual budget. Success at this event is critical in helping to keep the program in our county,” according to Janelle Meyer, CASA of Kosciusko County program manager.
This year, the fundraiser will have online bidding and those who are not able to attend will be able to participate in the auction for the many items up for bid.
Over 300 guests are expected at the 17th annual event.
The events includes a wine and beer bar hosted by The Downtown Eatery and Spirits, and the live and silent auctions. There will be a special presentation by CASA’s executive director and volunteer advocates.
The $20 Secret Garden will feature two locally crafted cocktails highlighting spirits from Steven Distilling Co. It is being presented by The Downtown and Silveus Insurance Group.
The food is being prepared by The Cake Lady, Cerulean, Crazy Egg, Light Rail, Noa Noa, One Ten Craft Meatery, Orthocity BBQ, Pallette and Rua. The purveyors of spirits include The Downtown, HopLore, Orthocity and Service Liquors.
All guests must be 21 or older to attend and are being encouraged to wear Steampunk formal attire.
CASA is a non-profit organization with the mission of providing best-interested advocacy for children caught in the court system due to abuse or neglect, Meyer said.
“We accomplish this through training and supporting volunteer advocates. Our advocates work to know the child and their situation so well we are able to make fact-based recommendations of what is in the child’s best interest to the judge,” she said.
CASA of Kosciusko County has 55 volunteers currently advocating for 133 children.
“There is still a great need for more volunteer advocates as CASA does not have advocates available to assist in custody disputes,” Meyer said.
Anyone interested in learning more about the event or how they can join the auction, contact Meyer at 574-372-2401 or email at Jmeyer@kcgov.com.
