This year's Art & Wine Celebration took place on a beautiful Friday, September 9^th evening under a huge tent in the parking lot of Aspire's headquarters. As guest auctioneer and WGRZ Channel 2 News anchor Scott Levin so aptly described the fundraiser, "It's fast becoming my favorite event. I get a feeling of love as soon as I enter."

Most attendees can attest that the love was evident everywhere. In the beautiful, original pieces of art created by Aspire's iXpress artists. In the prints, cards, jewelry, mosaic tiles, clutches and infinity scarves that were available for purchase. In the delectable food, beer and wine that was enjoyed by all. In the wonderful music provided by Universal Mind. And, most of all, in the generous spirit of all those who made the evening an unqualified success once again.

The live auction, under the enthusiastic leadership of Scott Levin, raised $7,000 from seven original works of art. The basket auction sales for this year increased by more than $2,000, and overall, the event raised nearly $90,000.  

Michael Holley, Aspire's director of development, is amazed at how the event continues to grow and impress with each passing year. "Aspire's Art & Wine Celebration was created eight years ago as a way to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary creative talents of people with disabilities. That premise remains the foundation for this event and our greatest success is seeing attendees blown away by the artwork. It gets better every year," according to Holley.   

Proceeds from the fundraiser will allow more individuals with disabilities to create their own works of love and develop their artistic talents through Aspire's iXpress Arts Program.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Nearly 800 attendees

• Creative work from more than 20 artists

• Silent basket auction proceeds increased more than $2,000

• Raised almost $90,000

THANKS TO OUR ASPIRING ARTISTS EVENT SPONSORS

Presenting Sponsor

KeyBank

Entertainment

Dopkins & Company, LLP

Media

WGRZ

Culinary

Crystal Rock

Embers Grill at the Ramada Inn & Conference Center

Flying Bison Brewing Company Courtesy of Try-It Distributing

Johnson Estate Winery

Kathy's Cookies

Landies Candies

Melanies Munchies

Naked Grape by Empire Merchants North

Rich Renaissance Catering

Saranac Craft Brews

Wegmans

Master Circle (1,500+)

The Brett Eller Family

Independent Health

Janet Hansen

Main Mobility

Parkview Health Services

Artistic Circle ($1,000+)

Damon Morey, LLP

Apprentice Circle ($500+)

Jaeckle, Fleischmann & Mugel, LLP

Laura & Bob Gawel Jr.

Imperial Tile

Nixon Peabody