ENGLEWOOD — Marie Laforge has been collecting chairs from artists around Englewood to help raise money for Kids Needs. The chairs came in all colors, sizes and themes.
The chairs were put on display at the Englewood Arts Center on Friday evening to encourage community members to mingle and learn about Kids Needs. Food, drinks and music were provided.
Marie Laforge, owner of Mango Bistro and organizer, said the best part of the art auction is its intimacy.
"Everyone gets to come here, enjoy the ambiance and see the artwork in person," she said. "I think that's what makes this event special."
Laforge, an artist herself, created a chair for Earth Day that said 'together we can change the world.' On the chair were names of various community members who signed the chair.
"I'm bidding on my chair, so I can display it at Mango Bistro," Laforge said. "There's a lot of really creative pieces in here."
Other chairs included 'Restore The Bay' by Lemon Bay High School Conservation Club, 'Lullaby' by Rebecca Umpierre and 'To Sit or Not To Sit' by Lemon Bay High School English Honor Society.
Rebecca DeRosa, president of Kids Needs, said that the nonprofit is not just a clothes closet. They work with the Englewood area schools to understand attendance issues, and ways to help students who are struggling with homelessness.
"There's so many things that contribute to a child's education," DeRosa said. "How can they focus if they're hungry, tired, haven't showered or been unable to brush their teeth?"
Fundraisers like the 'Chair'ity auction helps Kids Needs in more ways than one.
"I love this event, and it's our second year doing it," DeRosa said. "Raising money for Kids Needs, and doing something fun in an inclusive atmosphere is always great."
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