Helping People Succeed’s Pinot & Picasso, An Evening of Fine Wine and Art, unveiled the 2020 Art for Living Calendar at Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club on November 23.

Calendar artists displayed their calendar art pieces, in addition to several other paintings for purchase during this popular event. On hand to meet guests and display their art were Stacy Ranieri, Ginny Jones, Marian Vitale, Diane Raymond, Maria McCadden, Laura DeBerard, Dan Mackin, Sue Ann Mosley, Susan Roberts, Julia Kelly, Pam Patterson and Leah Krumme’.

After cocktails and the silent auction guests were seated in a formal setting for a delectable plated dinner served with wine pairings. Sponsors were recognized as well as the host of the event, Bill Lichtenberger. It was announced that the Reception Area at the new Helping People Succeed’s office will be named in Bill’s honor. CEO Suzy Hutcheson stated “Bill’s philanthropic spirit has made a direct impact on those we serve. The children, families and adults will continue to thrive because of his support… today and tomorrow.”

Major sponsors included: Bill Lichtenberger – the host, Bill and Audrey Crandall, Bob and Jan Crandall, Mary Kay Buckridge, EW Consultants, Inc., Jim and Jayne Mondello, Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, Ross Mixing, Sandhill Cove Retirement Living, NisAir Air Conditioning and Heating, Stuart Business Systems, All Creatures Animal Hospital, Water Pointe Realty, Mark Brechbill, CPA, Green Design Construction and Development, John and Dot Coblentz, John and Linda Loewenberg, Bart and Ginny Luther – the Bart Blue Star Foundation, Richard and Robyn Price – Corporate Furniture Options, Barbara Taylor, VITAS Healthcare and Dave’s Plumbing.

Auctioneer Elliot Paul donated his time and talent to auction off the live auction items to the top bidders in the room. The line-up for the live auction included a one-day fishing charter donated by the award-winning Captain Tony Huerta and a “Cart of Cheer” donated by Green Design Construction and Development valued at over $2,000! A tribute was paid in memoriam to calendar artist Mary Lou Knox. Her original 2020 Art for Living Calendar artwork was auctioned off for $5,000! Helping People Succeed appreciates all of the silent and live auction contributors!

The centerpiece on each table was a replica of Picasso’s Mains aux Fleurs, his Bouquet of Peace. Each was painted by an adult with an intellectual disability. On this particular evening – these original paintings represented friendship, gratitude, love and joy. After the live auction, Chair of the Board of Directors Bliss Browne, shared the many success stories of Helping People Succeed. Contributions were then raised for the Capital Campaign – Building Futures, Changing Lives. With every donation received a Picasso was being painted live led by long-time friend and artist Pam Patterson. Helping People Succeed plans to purchase their own building in June of 2020.

Overall, Helping People Succeed raised a record-breaking amount of $160,000. The guests, sponsors and auction contributors played a major role in contributing to the success of Pinot & Picasso!