It wasn’t your typical fundraising event. Fancy invitations were not sent to a targeted donor mailing list, nor was the event publicized months in advance. Directed by Clara Bossie, LMFT, the “event committee” consisted of a group of staff members dedicated to a nonprofit organization close to their hearts. An abundance of creative vision combined with passionate and enthusiastic supporters resulted in the HEArt Show (Healing Through Expressive Arts), benefitting The Body Positive.
Therapeutic Oasis of the Palm Beaches was transformed for the sold out event, which took place on February 6th, 2015. Our building twinkled against the sunset’s dusk, with the landscaping highlighted in hues of blue and purple. Guests were greeted by live harp music and invited to explore multiple galleries. While enjoying specially prepared culinary creations, attendees participated in body art, live videography, and hands-on art in our collaborative painting studio.
Over forty featured artists contributed pieces to the HEArt Show. Whimsical décor and special lighting complimented artwork, which included mixed media, photography, jewelry, fashion, and sculpture. Featured local artists included Salvatore Principe, Ona Steele, Charles Soto, as well as art students from both Atlantic Community and Boca Raton Community High Schools. The live auction featured two one-of-a-kind pieces created during the event in our live studio.
Whether attendees were just enjoying the sights or purchasing exquisite artwork, everyone who participated helped to support The Body Positive. Founded in 1996, The Body Positive’s mission is to teach people how to overcome conflicts with their bodies so they can lead happier, more productive lives. The organization’s mission is spread through public workshops, student leadership training and mentoring, professional training, and online activism. Connie Sobczak, Executive Director of The Body Positive, was thrilled to attend the HEArt Show. Guests were able to receive signed copies of Ms. Sobczak’s book, Embody: Learning to Love Your Unique Body (and quiet that critical voice!).
The personal touches and intimate atmosphere of the HEArt Show made it truly unique in comparison to other fundraising endeavors. Generous underwriters, caring volunteers, and talented artists worked together to create a memorable evening, with over $7,000 raised to support The Body Positive (visit TheBodyPositive.com). The HEArt Show proved that Einstein was on to something when he shared that: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” All of the fundraising expertise combined couldn’t have reproduced the heart and soul that went into this extraordinary event. We hope we have inspired you to become involved in next year’s show!
Sara Goldstein, Staff Writer
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Nicole Friedman, Patricia Shutt, Clara Bossie (HEArt Show Creative Director), and Christie Caggiani
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Ashley Leising and Stephanie Burstein tending bar.
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"Make Love Not War" by Charles Soto
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Anni Johnston and Connie Sobczak, Executive Director of The Body Positive
