by michael | Jul 26, 2024
Michael Israel Art Studios produced a fantastic virtual event for the Museum of Discovery and Science with programming from the museum and a live show and art auction!
Let’s paint the town red, blue, pink, green and yellow too! Picture a vibrant evening of colorful science, delectable snacks, and an original LIVE Art performance as world-renowned speed painter Michael Israel creates art before your eyes from the comfort of your couch.
by michael | Jul 25, 2024
To make your fundraising event truly unforgettable, it’s essential to create an atmosphere where every attendee can fully engage with the presentations and activities.
One key tip: prioritize clear sightlines.
Imagine a room filled with enthusiasm, where everyone can see and be part of the action.
While beautiful centerpieces can enhance the decor, resist the temptation to place tall ones on tables closer to the stage or focal point. Reserve these dazzling centerpieces for the back and outermost tables. Why? Because no matter how stunning they are, they shouldn’t overshadow the main event.
Think of it as orchestrating a symphony of support. The front and center tables should offer a direct line of sight to the stage, ensuring that your guests can fully immerse themselves in the experience. This way, they won’t miss a moment of the inspiring speeches, emotional stories, or exciting auction bids.
By strategically placing the taller centerpieces at the back and outer tables, you create a dynamic visual effect. As attendees enter the room, they’ll be drawn in by the allure of these beautiful arrangements, gradually making their way to their seats. It sets the stage for a journey through your event, captivating hearts and minds along the way.
So, remember, it’s not just about the aesthetics; it’s about crafting an immersive experience where every guest feels connected to the cause. With clear views and well-placed centerpieces, your fundraising event can reach new heights of engagement and impact.
by michael | Jul 25, 2024
Over a quarter million in Art SOLD to benefit the Peoria Promise!
Michael Israel has raised over $250,000 and helped draw sponsors for the Peoria Promise, having worked with Mayor Jim Ardis since he founded the tuition reimbursement program working to help local students go to school and join the workforce.
The program was initially for students who had attended public schools in Peoria but has since expanded to private school graduates and now to students with GEDs and those homeschooled.
The galas serve to raise funds and celebrate those who made the program possible.
“The promise pillars this evening will be announced. They are the top 5 companies that have supported Peoria Promise from day one: Caterpillar, Advanced Medical Transport, RLI, OSF Health Care, and Unity Point,” Peoria Promise Executive Director MJ Schettler said.
The program has raised over $4.4 million and helped over 2,600 students get an associate’s degree or certification. Schettler said 87% of their alumni are working in Peoria.
by michael | Jul 25, 2024
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Getting ready for performance on FOX to promote an appearance for the Payton Wright Foundation gala.
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.
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.
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 pre-school 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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by michael | Jul 25, 2024
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Washington, DC…10 minutes until showtime!
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