Wanderer Speaks United Holiday Arts Gala

On 14 November, Wanderer Speaks United hosted its First Annual Holiday Arts Gala. It also happened to be the first event of the nonprofit since its official launch. This event provided space for the community and the arts to connect. The artists whose works were performed and on display and for sale that night represented five countries and seven states! There was live music, stained glass, photography, abstract art, paintings, mixed media and more! Artists were able to monetize their art and maintain all profits and rights. Guests who were able to enjoy all of the talent that this event provided simultaneously supported those in need. $1000 was raised for Bread of Life and the Salvation Army.

Beyond the music and the variety of art, there were complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and finger foods for guests to enjoy. Kansas Cupcake Company was a vendor and provided sweet treats that everyone enjoyed! There were three raffles and three silent auction items. The raffles were a Holiday Gift Basket, A Fitness Package (included a fit-bit, shaker bottle and $25 gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods) and a 50/50 Cash Raffle. The winners were Maggie Seitz, Rico Hilliard and Juan Boykin respectively. The silent auction included a custom commissioned digital art piece by digital artist Nelda, a two  hour studio session at Wanderer Speaks United’s recording studio Lavender Lounge Studios and an electric guitar with an accessory kit. Online participants were able to get in on the action for the silent auction! User @sinaxeaston on Instagram won the custom art by Nelda, Lana Carlson was the studio session winner and Ian Lutzenberger won the electric guitar and accessory kit! The prizes are fun and exciting and we are so happy for the winners, but the most important part is that the money that went into the raffles, the bids on the silent auction and the entry fee will be helping those in need this holiday season.

Bread of Life is a 501(c) (3) charitable agency that has been serving those in need in Wichita, Kansas and surrounding communities since 1991. They are open for distribution on Tuesdays from 10a.m.-1:45p.m. Every week, Bread of Life has endeavored to meet the needs of those in need, living in Wichita, the largest city in the state of Kansas, and the South Central region of Kansas, by successfully distributing food, clothing and essentials to people. Approximately 18.7% of Kansans are going hungry each week and Bread of Life exists to offer them a helping hand. The charity serves people of all ages, from all races and cultures, covering Sedgwick County and eight other Kansas counties. Those who go to them for help include single mothers, grandparents raising grandchildren, veterans, the jobless and the homeless. Records show that nearly 40% of the recipients are children under 18, and 20% are seniors. If you or anyone you know is in need of the services that Bread of Life provides, the information required for first time assistance is a photo ID (driver's license), social security card for all family members, and a piece of mail verifying your current address. Wanderer Speaks United is proud to help Bread of Life with its mission. Most recently, on November 9, 2021, Wanderer Speaks United helped Bread of Life feed 567 people and their clothing branch, Garments of Praise, clothe 210 people. Now, in preparation for their Thanksgiving Giveaway on 20 November, Wanderer Speaks United will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the Holiday Arts Gala.

The remainder of the proceeds from the Holiday Arts Gala will go towards the Salvation Army’s Coat Drive and Angel Tree Adoption. KAKE TV, In the Bag Cleaners and JIFFY LUBE Multicare have partnered again this year to coordinate their annual coat drive for The Salvation Army. Wanderer Speaks United is supporting this initiative by donating new and gently used coats to the Salvation Army. We are also collecting gently worn, unwanted coats to donate to this cause as well. If you have coats that you’d like to donate, go to our Contact page and fill out the form! A member of our team will work with you to arrange either a pick up for the coat(s) from you or arrange a drop-off to make donating as convenient as possible for you. They will be collecting from January 4 to February 5. Anytime between those dates, Wanderer Speaks United will help you donate. On the 9th and 10th of December, the Salvation Army will be distributing gifts to families. Wanderer Speaks United will be adopting five families this year with a portion of the proceeds from the Holiday Arts Gala.

The First Annual Holiday Arts Gala was a huge success and a great start for Wanderer Speaks United! If you missed out on this event, don’t worry. There will be many more opportunities for you to support both artists and community with us.

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