PAST EVENT | Getting ready for performance on FOX

PAST EVENT | Getting ready for performance on FOX

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Getting ready for performance on FOX to promote an appearance for the Payton Wright Foundation gala.

 

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IT ALL STARTED WHEN…

In early 2006, three-year-old Payton Wright began complaining of a pain in her knee. Thinking that it was nothing more than growing pains, her parents, Holly and Patrick, took her to the doctor, who told them the pain would probably go away on its own. When it persisted, the Wrights were told that it was probably juvenile arthritis or perhaps diskitis.

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After a few weeks with no improvement, Dr. Bob Morelli, the ER doctor at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL ordered an MRI. On May 17, 2006, just weeks after her 4th birthday, Payton was diagnosed with cancer when the MRI revealed a tumor on her spine and pelvis. Always concerned for others, Payton looked at her worried father as she was wheeled into her first surgery and said, “Don’t worry, Dad. It’s gonna be a good day.” Payton fought her entire battle with the attitude that every day was going to be a good one.

The doctors determined that Payton had Medulloepithelioma, a very rare form of brain cancer, and one for which there was no treatment protocol and very little hope for recovery. First at All Children’s and later at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC, doctors pieced together Payton’s treatment, which included intense rounds of chemotherapy and radiation.

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In August of 2006, Payton was paralyzed from the waist down due to the tumor’s compression of her spine. She received as much radiation as a human body can tolerate, but the tumor continued to grow. Payton continued to fight, and she was able to graduate with her preschool class in May of 2007. However, the cancer continued to spread, and on May 29, 2007, Payton passed away at the age of 5.

Patrick and Holly Wright saw how courageously their daughter fought, and they promised her that they would never stop fighting. The Payton Wright Foundation was created both in Payton’s memory and with her fighting spirit so that children with brain cancer will know that “it’s gonna be a good day!”

Members of the Wright family kept a blog during Payton’s Journey. You can read all of the posts here:

Payton’s Journey – The blog Payton’s mom kept during her treatment and after her death. 




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Wet Paint & 50 Drop-Dead Gorgeous Swimsuit Models: A Night of Unforgettable Art and Fashion

Wet Paint & 50 Drop-Dead Gorgeous Swimsuit Models: A Night of Unforgettable Art and Fashion

Miami, the city of sun-kissed beaches and endless summer vibes has always been synonymous with glamour and style. But when you mix Miami Swimsuit Week, the artistic genius of Jeton Mullaliu, 50 drop-dead gorgeous swimsuit models, the charity powerhouse Shake-A-Leg Miami, and the incomparable Michael Israel in a room at the dazzling Briza on the Bay, you get something truly extraordinary.

Imagine this: Miami Swimsuit Week, an event where beauty meets fashion, is in full swing. The anticipation is palpable as the fashion elite gathers in one of Miami’s most enchanting venues. The air is charged with excitement, and you can feel that something magical is about to happen.

Enter Jeton Mullaliu, the artistic maestro who’s known for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. With a canvas as vast as his imagination, he embarks on a journey to create something that will leave the world awestruck. And what better way to do it than with the canvas of 50 drop-dead gorgeous swimsuit models, each a living work of art in their own right?

As the night unfolds, Briza on the Bay is transformed into a wonderland of creativity and beauty. The runway is set, the models are poised, and the atmosphere is electric. But there’s one more star waiting in the wings – Michael Israel, the artist whose talents are nothing short of legendary.

Michael’s show begins, and it’s as if time stands still. His art comes to life in a mesmerizing dance of color and form, leaving the audience spellbound. With every brushstroke, he weaves a narrative that transcends words. It’s a performance that reaches into the depths of the soul, leaving an indelible mark on all who witness it.

But this night isn’t just about art; it’s about giving back. Shake-A-Leg Miami, a charity with a heart as big as the ocean, is the benefactor of this spectacular event. As the bidding begins, the room is alive with generosity. Michael’s artwork becomes a vessel for hope, and it’s heartwarming to see how art can change lives.

The crescendo of the evening arrives as Michael’s artwork generates an astounding $88,000 with Shake-a-leg Miami the charity beneficiary. It’s a moment that defines the power of art and the beauty of giving. The funds raised will go on to make a real difference in the lives of those in need, a testament to the magic that can happen when art, fashion, and philanthropy come together.

In the end, what do you get when you combine wet paint, 50 drop-dead gorgeous swimsuit models, Miami Swimsuit Week, Shake-A-Leg Miami, and the brilliance of Michael Israel? You get an epic, mind-blowing White Party Art and fashion event that defies expectations and leaves an indelible mark on all fortunate enough to be there.

It’s a night that reminds us that in the heart of Miami’s glamour, there beats a soul of compassion, creativity, and generosity. And in the strokes of wet paint and the beauty of 50 swimsuit models, we find a fusion of art and humanity that’s nothing short of breathtaking.

$110,000 ART SOLD! to benefit the GLENDORA FOUNDATION

$110,000 ART SOLD! to benefit the GLENDORA FOUNDATION

 

Glendora Foundation

“We cannot rely on State funding for a competitive, modern education for Glendora’s students. Supporting GEF empowers us to ensure excellence in education.”

JAFCO GALA A CAPITAL SUCCESS!

JAFCO GALA A CAPITAL SUCCESS!

At the JAFCO Gala, a night that will be remembered for its overwhelming success, Michael Israel’s performance contributed to an unforgettable evening. The event was so extraordinary that it exceeded the organization’s capital funding goals, with donations pouring in, extending the night far beyond its scheduled end. Michael’s art auction alone raised an astounding $75,000, cementing the evening as a milestone in JAFCO’s fundraising history.

Michael Israel, the original “Speed Painter” since 1974, has been performing long before the media coined the term “Speed Painting.” Over the years, his work has raised millions of dollars for countless charities, with his heart especially dedicated to causes helping children. Organizations like JAFCO, the Outreach Center, and HomeSafe have all benefited from his unparalleled talent and generosity, with $75,000 raised for JAFCO in one show, $250,000 across several events for the Outreach Center, and more than $250,000 raised over years of working with HomeSafe.

Michael’s talent has captured the admiration of high-profile collectors, including Warren Buffett, Kevin Costner, Jay Leno, Kevin Bacon, Brooks and Dunn, Fortune 500 CEOs, and United States Presidents. His breathtaking performances have fetched up to $100,000 from the world’s leading companies, with his signed originals priced at $35,000 and up, some selling for as much as $250,000. Yet, through his Works4Charity™ grant program, Michael ensures that even the most resource-limited charities can access his exceptional talents at zero cost.

This year, the Works4Charity™ grant program has introduced exciting updates, making it even more impactful. In addition to a free performance, professional crew, travel and production handling, and donating $10,000 to $100,000+ to the charity, the program now guarantees $10,000 in proceeds to ensure no charity is left covering expenses. If sales fall short, Michael personally makes up the difference any show related expenses —a promise that, so far, has never been needed. 

Beyond his role as an entertainer, Michael becomes a true champion for every cause he supports. He often travels a month in advance of events to assist with press conferences, interviews, and special community engagements, such as painting with children at shelters or hospitals. His pre-show meet-and-greet sessions with VIPs and sponsors elevate every event, while his decades of experience ensure a turnkey program that relieves event producers of much of the burden.

Michael’s fame and following are powerful assets for the charities he partners with, helping boost sponsorship dollars, ticket sales, and marketing opportunities. He even invites his top collectors to the auctions, many of whom have become the highest bidders, sometimes purchasing all the available artwork in one go.