THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 9, 1995 TAG: 9511070125
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: On The Town
SOURCE: Sam Martinette
LENGTH: Medium: 76 lines
Where better to host an art auction than a restaurant named Animation?
Animation is the process of making drawings move. In this case, the movers and shakers will be in the Virginia Beach restaurant Animation on Nov. 16, for an Easter Seal Society of Virginia-sponsored evening of music, food and art for sale by some unusual artists, ranging from country and western singer Patty Loveless to retired Gen. Colin Powell.
``We're very excited about some of the artists who are participating and some of the items to be auctioned, which include a fur coat from Lowenthal's and a three-night stay for two in Las Vegas,'' Easter Seal spokesperson Jennifer Fowler said.
The fourth annual Celebrity Art and Silent Auction will take place from 7 to 10 p.m., with entertainment by the jazz group ``Against All Odds.'' Tickets are $10 in advance and $12.50 at the door. I'm told the food will include fruits, cheeses and raw vegetables, brie cheese and calamata olives, marinated lamb on skewers and lemon chess chocolate squares. The food is included in the ticket price, and there will be a cash bar.
``The proceeds will benefit children and adults with disabilities throughout Hampton Roads, by enabling the continuation of therapy, public education, and car-seat and equipment loan programs,'' Fowler explained. ``Local celebrities will be on hand, including Miss Virginia, Amber Medlin; the mayor of Virginia Beach, Meyera Oberndorf, and many TV and radio personalities.''
Celebrity artists will include astronaut Byron Lichtenberg, author Mike D'Orso, society columnist Martha Lee Shaw, and broadcast personalities Joe Hoppel of WCMS, Bruce Garraway of WFOG, Dan McClain of Eagle 97, Micky Hunter of 106.9 The Fox and Gigi Young of Classic Hits 106. Also participating are Port Folio music columnist Eric Worden, John Miller of WVEC-TV and writer Amy Waters Yarsinske.
With a star-studded crowd like that I would expect Elvis to be on hand, and by golly there's a rumor he'll be there. Among the items to be auctioned or sold by silent auction are tickets to area theatrical performances, dinners at some of the top restaurants, floral arrangements, limo and hot air balloon rides, even a 5 1/2-carat blue topaz. And, of course, lots of original art by the aforementioned masters.
According to information provided by Fowler, the Easter Seal Society of Virginia served almost 20,000 people statewide. A total of $2.2 million, of which nearly 48 percent was raised from public contributions, was spent on programs.
In Hampton Roads, services are provided through the Easter Seals Provider Network. The Regional Center provides wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches and shower benches on a first-come, first-served, no-charge loan basis. Occupational, speech and physical therapies also are offered, as is the Special Kids Are Riding Safe Car Seat Loan Program, a referral program that provides car seats to eligible persons whose child has a developmental delay, a fragile medical condition or a disability.
``One of the things we're especially proud of is that 90 percent of the proceeds from special events such as this stay right here in Hampton Roads,'' Fowler said.
So if you're in the market for a ``masterpiece'' by an astronaut, a possible presidential candidate, your favorite radio personality or a beauty queen - or you just have to see Elvis one more time - Animation Restaurant in Virginia Beach is clearly the place to be Nov. 16. ILLUSTRATION: AT A GLANCE
What: Fourth annual Celebrity Art and Silent Auction to benefit
Easter Seals.
When: Thursday, Nov. 16, 7 to 10 p.m.
Where: Animation Restaurant, 972-A Laskin Road, Virginia Beach,
491-3252.
Tickets: $10 in advance, $12.50 at the door, includes food and
entertainment; cash bar; for ticket information, call 468-3140.
by CNB