 The Sixth Annual Summer of Hope, Focus Forward through Art, exhibit and auction took place on May 12, 2011, at beautiful Arte Americas located at 1630 Van Ness Boulevard near downtown Fresno. The event was a success for Focus Forward, our sponsors, our County and community partners, and, most notably, the youth incarcerated at the JJC. The event drew in not only those friends of Focus Forward who attend this event each year, but also many newcomers who were very interested in learning about services to the JJC youth and how they, as community members, can support programs such as those offered by Focus Forward. We are thankful for our partnership with Probation and the Courts and for the individuals and agencies that sponsored this event. We are grateful for the many volunteers who made the evening pleasant for all.
Guests were treated to music by Edgar Olivera, beverages, and delicious hors d’oeuvres prepared by the Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission. Welcoming remarks were made by Supervisor Susan B. Anderson and Probation Division Director Rosalinda Acosta. Both Supervisor Anderson and Director Acosta spoke of importance of community involvement in addressing the magnitude of the needs of the juvenile justice youth and the support of programs such as ours which expand young people’s lives, providing them with opportunities for new beginnings.
There were twenty-nine pieces of amazing art available to the highest bidders in the auction. The art was created under the instruction of Tim Dorais whose pupils created beautiful pastels on paper and Al Sanchez, whose pupils used watercolor to express their connection to people who are important to them through symbols contained in hearts and in flowers. Tim and Al offered classes to youth housed in both commitment and detention. In addition to the art auction, items were available to the guests as gifts for donations. This year, these items included necklaces and fleece blankets created by the young women in the JJC, as well as note cards and posters produced from youth art. A raffle was held in which three lucky winners received gift baskets containing three sets of note cards. It did not appear that anyone went home empty-handed!
The 20ll Summer of Hope Art Show was made possible through the following sponsors: The Rotary Club of Fresno; Arte Americas; Dumont Printing; Central San Joaquin Valley Chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists; Supervisor Susan B. Anderson; Richard and Janet Allen; Jo Kader; Cultural Arts Rotary Club of Fresno; Fresno Regional Foundation; Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission; Mental Health Systems Inc., Dr. and Mrs. Mort Rosenstein; Douglas Rolly, MS LMFT; Jud and Jill Robinson; Arbor Education and Training, Fresno Older Youth Program; Jim and Judy Ganulin; Supervisor Phil Larson, Comprehensive Youth Services; Eye-Q; and Transitions Children’s Services. This generous support makes it possible for Focus Forward to create positive change and promote successful outcomes for the youth.
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2011 6th Annual Summer of Hope Art Show |
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