WISH: Dreams Come True Art Exhibition
For over a year, East Ohio College has been raising funds for Make-A-Wish Foundation: Ohio, Kentucky, & Indiana. The fundraisers started after hiring the new Career Management Director, Courtney Martin. Mrs. Martin was diagnosed with bilateral Wilms tumor cancer in both of her kidneys at the age of two, “I spent three Christmases in the hospital and never really got to know my little sister who was a year younger than me… Make-A-Wish is not only for the children but also their families. Make-A-Wish granted my wish to go to Disney World, but at the same time, gave my family the feeling of normalcy; something we never really had after my diagnosis.”
The WISH: Dreams Come True Art Exhibition’s objective was to raise awareness for Make-A-Wish through the expression of artwork from local youth. The event was FREE and open to the public and raised funds through donation only. The family-friendly evening consisted of crafts, a photo booth, a wishing wall, and over 200 pieces of artwork from seven local schools. East Ohio was able to raise over $300.00 for Make-A-Wish: Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana Foundation through the WISH: Make Dreams Come True Art Exhibition.
Business Administration student, Mariah Betteridge, was the Project Manager for the art exhibition and was responsible for contacting schools, collecting art pieces, and coordinating entertainment. Work Study Courtney Stephens and fellow East Ohio students Bridget Brenneman, Jen Seese, and Kaitlin Dyke, also helped with the event through setup and assisting with games and crafts. Green Marble Café provided coffee, scones, cookies, and muffins for the evening. Entertainment was provided by Lindsey from Elantns, Aaron from Destiny House, and musician John Fletcher.
“Helping a little girl or boy is humbling but what’s even more awe-inspiring is seeing the community members excited about giving back and help someone achieve their dreams. It is refreshing to see positivity in a negative world” said Mariah Betteridge regarding the WISH: Make Dreams Come True Art Exhibition.
Awards and prizes were based on votes from the community and were awarded by age group. For grades Pre-k to 1st the winner was 17 month old Nehemiah Thayer with Finger Painting. 2nd to 4th grade winner was 4th grader, Gavin Wright from Lacroft with his painting of Starry Night. The winner for grades 8th to 10th was Hannah Shafer a 9th grader from East Liverpool High School with Birch Trees. Senior Riley Giles from Brooke High School won with Solemn Face II for age group 11th-12th. Also, senior Allie Ingle from East Liverpool High School won for her Japanese Tree 3D model. Finally, for the $50.00 What I Wish For competition, the winner was 9th grade student from North, Natalie Watson with Story Quilt: Hawaii.