Art Auction Fundraiser To Support Youth Organizations

Cullens Youth Association, in conjunction with the Venturing Crew 70 of Newtown and the Greater Candlewood Valley Exchange Club, will sponsor an art auction, Friday, October 7. The fundraiser will be under the direction of Ross Galleries of Holbrook, N.Y., and will feature fine arts, as well as music and sports memorabilia.

Cullens Youth Association is a foundation that has been dedicated to providing Newtown youth with opportunities for leadership and social awareness for nearly 50 years. The association began as Scouts of Newtown, Inc in 1958. The nonprofit group was renamed in 1979 for Rev Paul and Agnes Cullens, who were active in the organization of Newtown youth groups in the early 1900s.

In 1982, a lodge was erected on property just off of Taunton Lake Road, on a 20-acre tract of land, which includes a seven-acre lake. The facilities are open to all Newtown youth organizations, and are widely used by Boy and Girl Scout Troops, a Venturing post. and the Newtown Youth Services summer nature program.

Venturing Crew 70 is a branch of the Boy Scouts of America, open to both young men and women ages 14 to 21 years of age.

Greater Candlewood Valley Exchange Club is an organization providing services for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

The evening of fun and fundraising will begin with a 6 pm preview in the Alexandria Room of Edmond Town Hall. There will be door prizes, and hors d’oeuvres, cheese, desserts, and wine from Digrazia Vineyards will be served. The auction will follow at 7 pm.

The $10 ticket cost ($15 for couples) will benefit the three organizations in its entirety. Additional funds will be raised through a percentage of the art sales. Credit cards will be accepted by the gallery, but even for those who prefer to merely browse, not buy, another percentage based on the number of people in attendance that night will be directed to Cullens Youth Association, the Venturing Crew, and the Greater Candlewood Valley Exchange Club.

Spokesperson Roseanne Loring emphasizes that the number of people in attendance is important. In order for the charities to make a good profit, 100 people are needed to attend. The organizations are guaranteed $1,000 if more than 100 people fill the room.

Tickets to the fundraiser may be purchased at Newtown Youth Services, 10 Glen Road, Sandy Hook or Prudential Insurance, 246 Federal Road, Brookfield. They can also be obtained by calling Gene Cox, 426-4755, or Paul Sedor, 775-7060, or purchased at the door. If purchasing tickets the night of event, please pay by check, as no cash will be on hand for change.