Sequins, Cumberbunds and Running Shoes, Oh My!
ArtReach announces new signature fundraiser

Dine & D’art
The Fastest Art on Two Feet


DENVER, CO—May 7, 2008—ArtReach, Inc., event co-chairs, Karye Wilhelm, Marc Cutilletta, and Nancy Cole, today announced the 35-year-old non-profit organization’s new signature fundraiser – ArtReach Dine & D’art - to be held February 7, 2009, at The Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

“This is not going to be your traditional gala,” teases Wilhelm. “Because by the end of the evening, each pair of ticket holders will not only have enjoyed fine dining and music, but will have vied to ‘dart’, select and walk out with a piece of original artwork worth at least $400.”  There will be 100 works of art available.  Tickets are $400 and admit two people. 

Here’s how it will work:
Each couple with a ticket will be entered into the drawing for a piece of art.  The evening’s host will draw ticketholders’ names from a hat one at a time.  With each name called, the couple has 20 seconds to dash to claim the desired piece.  It is recommended that partygoers have several choices lined up and then hope their name is called before someone else claims that piece.  A good strategy is to make sure partners are in agreement and plan a smart strategy for laying claim on the art.

“We’re especially pleased to have as Honorary Chairperson, Dr. Dean Prina, a renowned Denver pediatrician and community benefactor. At the gala, Dr. Prina and our board of directors will be honoring Bernadette Berger, an ArtReach friend, collector, philanthropist and worldwide supporter of the arts,” Wilhelm continued. Tickets for this event can be purchased beginning in September at www.artreachdenver.org or at (303) 433-2882, ext. 226.  Save-the-date cards will be mailed mid-summer as a reminder and announcing the exact date tickets will go on sale.

About Bernadette Berger:
Honoree Bernadette Berger's philosophy is “Visual arts, as well as music, poetry and literature, refresh and enrich lives,” and her mission has been to share her vision with all. She and her late husband, Bill, built a British-centered collection of paintings and other works of art spanning six centuries.  Bernadette enjoys sharing the collections with friends, both old and new, introducing them to the joys of art.  In addition to hosting the ArtReach Ultimate Dinner Party fund raisers in 2001 and 2003, Mrs. Berger shares her time with organizations such as The Denver Art Museum, The Huntington Library, The Met, The Smithsonian, Yale University Art Gallery, Save Venice, and many others.  Some of Mrs. Berger's philanthropic pursuits include hosting the annual patron party for Friends of Painting and Sculpture, funding the Bernadette J. Berger Discovery Library and the William M.B. Berger Western Discovery Library at the Denver Art Museum.

About Dr. Dean Prina:
Honorary Chairperson, Dr. Dean Prina, an art collector and a favorite Denver pediatrician, sits on numerous nonprofit boards and committees such as the The Rose Community Foundation, The Denver Scholarship Foundation, The Women’s Foundation of Colorado, Denver Film Society, The Lab for Art and Ideas at Belmar, Judi’s House, Jewish Family Service, The Governor’s Mansion Restoration Board, and The Denver Foundation.  Dr. Prina has chaired events for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Company and Denver Film Society. Dr. Prina’s knowledge and experience is vast, and ArtReach is privileged that he is sharing his gifts with us.

About ArtReach
Established in 1974, ArtReach provides access to experience arts and culture for people of all ages who struggle with physical, mental and behavioral or severe economic challenges. ArtReach programs annually serve more than 77,000 individuals and families in our community.  ArtReach reaches disadvantaged people through maintaining over 350 innovative, long-term partnerships between diverse art (local art agencies and businesses) and community agencies (social service agencies, public housing, long-term care facilities, parks and recreation departments, and schools).  ArtReach is funded through local and state government and foundation grants, corporations, membership fees, and individuals.  For more information visit www.artreachdenver.org