YOUNGSTOWN MATTRESS COMPANY ARTS CENTER Fire victims will benefit from weekend auction and concert
The event raised $7,000.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The combined look of exhaustion and amazement was written all over the face of Sara Tkac.
Tkac helped organize the weekend fund-raiser at Cedars Cafe on North Hazel Street for those who lost so much in the Youngstown Mattress Company Arts Center fire.
"It's gone amazingly, incredibly well," said Tkac as she searched for more adjectives to describe the event as it concluded Sunday. "The outpouring of support is overwhelming."
The event raised $7,000, and will be divided among the three artists who lost their artwork in the fire and the owners of two businesses located in the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard building.
The building was a special place for Tkac, who had her first art exhibition there last year.
When Tkac heard about the May 22 fire, she and others decided to hold a benefit. The building was purchased in 1982 by Coy Cornelius, who provided local artists with studio space.
Overwhelming
Tkac said she was overwhelmed by the response.
"It evolved into something I didn't think was possible," she said. "The event was to help people out by raising money. But, more importantly, it was to get people together and raise the spirit of those who lost everything. Youngstown showed its true colors. I just love Youngstown."
The event kicked off Friday with a concert at Cedars. A silent auction and a Chinese auction were held that day, Saturday and Sunday. About 100 artists donated more than 150 pieces of art for the auctions. Also, local businesses donated gift certificates and gift baskets for the auctions.
"The way the arts community pulled together was wonderful," Tkac said.
Auction winners will be notified by telephone, and can pick up their art from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday at Cedar.
Also, those who want to make donations can do so at any branch of First National Bank into the Youngstown Mattress Company Benefit Fund.
skolnick@vindy.com