WNCAP 2013 Raise Your Hand Auction and Gala

The Western North Carolina AIDS Project’s annual Raise Your Hand Auction will celebrate its silver anniversary this year at the Doubletree Hotel-Biltmore on Saturday, October 12.

With 250 ballroom seats available and tickets on sale now, the agency hopes to raise the critical funds needed to support their mission of providing HIV/AIDS prevention education to the community and client services to over 500 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in 18 western counties.

“WNCAP is feeling the effects of state funding cuts.” says Pam Siekman, WNCAP Board President and Raise Your Hand Chair. “Our services have expanded due to the increasing needs of our clients for assistance with accessing and paying for their expensive medications, finding affordable housing and food and transportation support services, all of which help them lead healthier and more productive lives.”

The auction is WNCAP’s second largest fundraiser. Guests will be invited to bid on elaborate dinner packages presented by Asheville’s most creative chefs, antique collections, fine wines, getaway vacations, and an eclectic collection of local art.
Andrew Brunk of Brunk Auctions will take to the stage for the Live Auction portion of the evening, bringing with him this year’s Raise Your Hand Signature Piece; Daniel McClendon’s Gazelle (Gemsbok).

Auction planners are also excited to announce Laurey Masterton, of Laurey’s Catering, as this year’s Honorary Chair. Besides her renowned culinary skills, Masterton has become a local hero for her support of non-profits throughout the Asheville community. She continues to bravely inspire others living with serious health issues in her courageous journey as a three-time cancer survivor.

If You Go: Raise Your Hand Auction, Saturday, October 12 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel-Biltmore. For more information go to www.wncap.org/ryh or call (828) 252-7489.

Cradle of Forestry’s Gallery in the Woods

An exhibit of artwork by Rudy Wendelin, the renowned Smokey Bear artist, who for decades expressed the image and message of this much loved symbol of forest fire prevention and safety. Details at (828) 877-3130; www.cradleofforestry.org.