Charity to benefit from art auction in Strangford bar

Charity to benefit from art auction in Strangford bar

22 August 2012

LOCAL artists and Strangford fundraisers are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children through an art auction this Saturday at 3pm.

Many local artists have donated pieces to the auction, which is being hosted by the Cuan Bar and Restaurant to raise money for the locally charity.

The event has been spearheaded by local man, Sean Polly, who works in the Cuan and who has worked for over six months to create a significant fundraising event for the charity.

The fundraising has already been kick-started by staff of the Cuan and its friends through other events, such as the Belfast marathon and a local golf tournament, but Sean is hoping local people will pull out the stops for the charity by attending Saturday’s auction to help families with children affected by cancer.

He is delighted by the level of support received by local artists who have arrived at he Cuan in to donate pieces of their work.

These have included Downpatrick artist Maria Graham, Willie Mulhall, from Ardglass, George Smyth, from Tyrella, Bernie Brown, from Tyrella, John McSorley, from Strangford and Kieron Black, from Killough.

They are hoping their work will contribute towards respite events for families affected by cancer.

Families will be invited to the Cuan in the autumn where they will enjoy a relaxing but action-packed programme of events to help them relax after diagnosis and treatment.

Cuan proprietor, Caroline McErlean, said she was delighted by the number of artists who had been willing to help out.

“Their response has blown us out of the water, we are very pleased,” she said.

“We are looking forward to welcoming families whose children have been affected by cancer to the Cuan in September when we will be able to show them the beauty of this area,” she said.

“The second residential weekend will be in December when we plan to take them to see Santa at Castleward, which will be a very special experience.”

Sean said he was delighted with the art made available for the auction and said he would urge people to turn out for the auction and bid on pieces they like for the charity.

“I am hoping this is a big success,” he said.

“The auction will be a great showcase for our local talent, while helping children affected by cancer, many of whom are local.”