Cash raised at this year’s Appetite for Art fundraiser saw two local causes each received a cheque at a presentation held earlier this week at the Prestige Hotel in Sooke.
Both the Sooke Food Bank and the Sooke Community Arts Scholarship Programme received a cheque for $1,100 towards their ongoing projects.
Appetite for Art combines culinary and visual arts by inviting local artists and chefs to pair artwork with food and drinks. This year the second annual event was held and incorporated talented works of art with pairings from West Coast Grill, Yesaki’s, Stick in the Mud, Little Vienna Bakery, Sooke 2 for 1 and Nature’s Chef Tom Kral.
“We are thrilled to have reached such a great total this year,” said Dan Houle, general manager at West Coast Grill and Yesaki’s.
Appetite for Art took place on Saturday, March 14 attracting a crowd of approximately 200 guests. The event is run by a committee made from members of Sooke Community Arts Council, West Coast Grill and Sooke Fine Arts Society.
Funds were raised through ticket sales, art commissions and a raffle held on the night.
“We’re pleased to say that thanks to the success of this fundraiser and last year’s, the Sooke Fine Arts Society is able to award two $750 Youth Art Scholarships this year to talented EMCS students looking to pursue post-secondary studies in the arts,” said Catherine Keogan, executive director of Sooke Fine Arts Society.
“That kind of encouragement and support early in a young artist’s career can make such a difference, and allow them to take their place in the creative economy that underpins the kind of innovation that allows communities to flourish,” she said.