Dear Friends:

I am writing to personally extend my invitation to each of you to attend our June 4th art opening and benefit at 4010 Washington, Suite 100, Kansas City, Missouri, otherwise known as “Art @ Suite 100”.  Since planning and hosting these art events and the occasional fundraiser has kept me sane for so long, I think it’s fair to include an open invitation to the Fans and Friends of My Year Without Complaining!

As you all know, we at Suite 100 have long been committed to providing a place for local and regional artists to show and sell their work.  For seven years, four times each year, we have opened our doors to all of you to enjoy and purchase art that might not otherwise have a venue for your viewing or collecting.

Three years ago, we started hosting a fundraiser for SAFEHOME and Rose Brooks Center at our September art opening, featuring art by survivors of family violence and those who work with them such as therapists.  We’ve raised over $6,000.00, divided between the shelters, just by throwing our doors open to our dear friends who have been so generous.

The June 4th event is our first attempt to raise money for agencies which work with the First Responders whose fearless and tireless service so enhances all of our lives, especially those of  us who fall prey to violence, whether in our homes or on the streets.  These agencies provide needed care and counseling to firefighters, police officers, and other emergency personnel and their families.  The agencies are Warriors Ascent; Surviving Spouses; and the Good & Welfare Fund.

The artists whose work will be featured that afternoon are also First Responders, present or retired.  Two retired firefighters; a working police officer; and an emergency / trauma nurse will display and sell their art that day.  All art sale proceeds go directly to these artists, something we are able to do that isn’t available in professional art galleries.

Each of the artists also has a work in the benefit auction, as do many other artists who have been part of the Suite 100 shows.  Local businesses and individuals have also donated.  We will be holding a silent auction and a raffle.  All proceeds of the silent auction and raffle will go directly to the agencies providing service.  Those of us who office in Suite 100 pay for these events and do not recoup the cost from either the proceeds of artist sales or the money donated when there is a fundraising component.

I cannot over-emphasize my admiration for First Responders, or my gratitude to my colleagues for joining with me to raise money for the agencies which support them.  Thank you to each of you for coming to our shows and benefits over the years, and for reconvening to enjoy this event.

Here are links that can inform you about the details of the event and the benefit.  Study and share!  There are links to tweet or post on Facebook, and I would appreciate your doing just that!

The event page is HERE!

The benefit sponsor page is HERE!

The auction / raffle listings are HERE!