In response to the dire economics Vermonters continue to face, the Vermont Arts Council hosted its second doing our pART online art auction to benefit the Vermont Food Bank.
The December 2009 effort raised $10,600 and provided 15 TONS of fresh, nutritious food for Vermonters in need. More than 90 artists and arts organizations contributed artwork, crafts, tickets, workshops and other arts experiences to the auction. The 2008 auction raised $10,254 which funded 27,000 meals for hungry Vermonters.
The Arts Council is very proud of the creative community's significant contribution to the Vermont Foodbank again this year. We are grateful to the individuals and organizations who offered items and to the bidders who bought them. It is an honor to present the proceeds to this vital organization.
While we all know that "art feeds the soul," people need to feed their bodies first. In response to continued economic challenges, the Arts Council is supporting the work of the state's larges hunger relief organization, the Vermont Foodbank.
The online auction comes at a time when many Vermonters are feeling anxious about the approaching winter months. With the high cost of both food and heating fuel, many people will be forced to choose between keeping their houses warm or putting a meal on the table.
The Vermont Foodbank works with 270 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, senior centers and after-school programs to provide food to communities in all 14 counties. Each dollar donated to the Vermont Foodbank provides two nutritious meals for someone at risk of hunger. Last year they distributed 6.5 million pounds of food to Vermonters requesting charitable food assistance.
For more information about the work of the Vermont Foodbank, visit www.vtfoodbank.org.