A great bit hug and thank you to all of you who donated to the NPAC during the 36-Hour Giving Challenge sponsored by the community foundations of Sarasota and Manatee counties and the Patterson Foundation on March 26 and 27, 2012. The Art Center realized more than $6,300 in funds during the event, an incredible amount from our small community of artists and art lovers. We asked for your help, and you responded, and we couldn’t be more grateful. We are all part of a great artistic team!
Listed below, in no particular order, are the names of those who donated to NPAC during the Challenge: Carol Dawkins, Carol Neagles, Denise Wallace, Linda Kronholm, Louise Hall, Mary and Steven Alspaugh, Nancy Colby, Wendy Namack, Nancy Morris, Lorraine Matthews, Susan Shatzer, Jennifer Weinberger, Rod and Marilu Haggett, Barry Thorne, Shannon Staub, Nicholas Guarino, Eleanor Merrill, Kathleen and Charles Wilke, Debra Thomas, Harbor Cove Art Club, Kay Sheils, Erica McPhee. Also, Mark and Renee Kleinsorge, Pauline Stickler, Chris Sylvester, Rosemary See, Joan Watmough, Charlotte Goodwin, Jack C. Malone, Emery Williams, Samuel Neagles, Mary Jo Davis, Suzanna Reiff, Karl Goudy, Lorraine Schneeberger, Eileen Nail, Bryan Walker, Jane Gates, Susan Schaffer, Donna Lane, Gisele Luke, Doris Doersam, John Lubbers, Pauline Stickler. Also, Mark Klingel, Kateryna and Atanas Kobryn, Arline Hughes, Mary Maples, North Port Democratic Club, Denise Milot, Stephen and Christa Middler, Carroll Stone, Ted and Sue Berger, Lorraine Matthews, Nancy Morris, Charlene Christofori, Artistica Nail and Spa, Jennifer Dirrigl, Suzanne Reiff, Jennifer Derosiers, Janice and Donald White, Bonnie Rodgers’ Watercolor Classes.

These are representatives of the 41 agencies or non-profits that engage in social services, health, cultural enrichment, education and the environment who received grant money from the Plantation Community Foundation ranging from $500.00 to $7,335.00 each, which totaled $120,000.00 for 2012.  A grand total of $2.2 million has been granted to South Sarasota County, since the Foundations inception in 1988. The Plantation Community Foundation members consist of property owners and residents of the Plantation Community in Venice and members and employees of the Plantation Golf and Country Club. The North Port Art Center was granted $1,200.00 to conduct Art Therapy classes in eldercare facilities in South County.

Due to Executive Director Carol Neagles' presentation on behalf of NPAC about all the services that we offer to the residents of North Port and in the surrounding area, and thanks to everyone's effort, we have won the North Port Area Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit Business of the year 2011 Award recognition. Louise Hall, NPAC President 2010-2011 on right, shared the pleasure of accepting the Award on December 15 at the Annual Awards Luncheon.

NPAC Assistant Treasurer Sandi Hilliard said, "Thanks to the Monday 20 group: Steve Burnett of Burnett Painting, Dallas Council of AAMCO, Co-owner of Café Gelato Luigi Ammirato, and Charlie McNeill of ADT Security", for a $100.00 donation check to the North Port Art Center at the same celebration on December 3, at Café Gelato, 1401 S. Sumter Blvd, in North Port.

The Gulf Coast Gives Fundraiser for Kids Pottery Classes was a success! Thank you to all those who donated.

Success At Long Last

Finally, after two years of conversation with DOT Rod Haggett succeeded in
arranging with the Dept. of Transportation for two road side directional signs at U.S.#41 and North Port Blvd for NPAC (2011).

NPAC Buildling Repainted in May 2011

Thank you Home Depot Volunteers for repainting our building, particularly given the hot sun that day.

Home Depot Department Supervisor Michael White was finishing painting the back of the North Port Art Center building on his 4th of July week (2011) vacation, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, covering it with two coats of paint. Several Home Depot employees painted the sides and front of the North Port Art Center giving it a new look.

2010-2011 President and Grant Writer Louise Hall and Executive Director Carol Neagles held the $2,500 check from Heron Creek Community Foundation (first grant cycle) for a large outdoor NPAC sign, during the awards ceremony at the Heron Creek Golf & Country Club, on March 24, 2011. From left, some of the North Port Art Center members and Heron Creek residents that were available: Past President Eileen Nail, Virginia Hernandez, Sue Berger, Mark & Renee Kleinsorge, and Juergen & Jennifer Dirrgl.