The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Foundation held its charity gala on Singer Island, FL, bringing together members of one of the country's leading orthopedic specialty societies for an evening in support of shoulder and elbow research and education.
The ASES Foundation funds the Neer Award, research and fellowship grants, and health policy work that helps surgeons advance the field — the same kind of institutional, mission-driven giving that runs through most of the causes Michael Israel paints for.
Michael took the stage with a live-action painting performance, building a piece in front of the room while the auction ran. By the end of the night, the artwork alone had brought in nearly $25,000 for the ASES Foundation.
It's a formula that works because it's simple: give a room of engaged donors something happening live, and the bidding follows the energy in the room.