‘Heart Art’ Gala Celebrates Local Talent; Raises Funds for CHR

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

Some 250 people gathered to raise funds for affordable housing programs at a gala and auction celebrating local artists and the work of Community Housing & Resources (CHR).

Give Your Heart To CHR Gallery Gala, held Feb. 3, capped a three-month spotlight on HEART ART – 15 heart-shaped sculptures assembled by local artists to help fund the critical work of CHR in Sanibel, Captiva and Fort Myers. Area businesses displayed the sculptures from November through January. At the Gala, local residents bid on the artwork, with proceeds going to CHR.

“Give Your Heart To CHR was a collective celebration of everything that makes our islands special,” said Nicole McHale, CHR Executive Director. “It was thrilling to see neighbors and visitors alike enjoying the sculptures on display, more so to see that artwork appreciated at the Gala. All of us at CHR and the people we serve are deeply grateful to our community for this incredible support.”

Laurie and Bill Harkey

Terri Kohl with Toni Westland’s heart

Doug and Sherry Gentry

From left to right Kandi Sanger, Jim Berg, Susen Berg, Katie Riemenschneider, and Eric Riemenschneider.

From left to right: Matthew Pierce, Rachel Pierce, Porter Goss, Allison Goss, and Chauncey Goss.

SanCap Rotary members who purchased Rachel’s heart From left to right it is John Henshaw, Scot Congress, Rachel Pierce, Bill Harkey, Roger Grogman, and John White.

Whitney Hackett and Lisa Ann Miller

HEART ART was the latest in CHR’s public art projects that have delighted the community in recent years. Local HEARTISTS who shared their talents for this fundraiser included Anna Hicks, Arlene Stigum, Cheryl Logan, Eric Riemenschneider, Erica Sharp, Ginny Dickinson, Kristina Jackson, JP Almonacid, Kym Mason, Lacy McClary, Mary Klunk, Rachel Pierce, Rena Martinson, Taryn Manning, Toni Westland and Whitney Hackett.

Sponsors were Cielo, Sanibel Captiva Trust Co., Mudbugs, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Bank of the Islands, Tree West, Heidrick & Co., Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts, The Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation, Congress Jewelers, Vibeke and Gustav Christiansen, Terri Kuhl, Vince and Suzie Nowell, and Cindy and Roger Timm.