Art Auction Post Release

The Sixth Annual, “One of a Kind” Art Auction, featured original art by local artists, benefited Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area.

The Sixth Annual “One-of-a-Kind” Art Auction was held Friday night at the Hershey Country Club and the event keeps moving in the right direction for Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area. More than 200 participants were on hand to move the event to a new high, taking in more than $21,000.

The highlight of the show was a special Auction Item offered by world famous violinist Odin Rathnam. Rathnam offered to prepare a gourmet meal for four and perform for his guests. Rathnam described his offer to the audience and then presented a mini-concert for all of those in attendance Friday night in Hershey.

“He was magnificent and received a standing ovation following his two pieces,” said Habitat’s Director of Development Mark Mattern. “Odin’s offer brought in $1,100 to Habitat for Humanity. To get the support of local artists, a brewery, local musicians, restaurants, caterers, and community-minded people all working together to change lives is truly a wonderful thing!”

The yearly event has now raised an overall total of more than $106,000 for Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s auction will go towards Habitat’s new Energy Efficient Affordable Neighborhood in uptown Harrisburg.

The “One-of-a-Kind” Art Auction was sponsored again this year by M&T Bank and provided an exciting opportunity for artists, art collectors, community leaders and area residents to learn more about working artists in the greater Harrisburg area and buy original, top quality art. There were 57 items from local artists donated to be juried for the live auction this year.

This year’s event featured the music of Gary Shelton along with Jim and Joellen Zitch. The reception prior to the auction also included a beer sampling from Troegs Brewery. Local restaurants and caterers from around central Pennsylvania also made generous donations for this special event.

Staff members from the Hershey Entertainment and Resorts and members of the Harrisburg Young Professionals also donated their time to help make the event enjoyable for all those in attendance.

“A great committee of people put this thing on, almost without a hitch this year. We already have commitments from two others wanting to help next year,” Mattern said at the end of the night. “As we celebrate 25 Years in the Community, these events show a commitment from our volunteers to help us reach our goal of eliminating poverty housing here in central Pennsylvania.”