Hendersonville, NC, August 6, 2014– Since 2003, the Bearfootin’ Public Art Walk has helped raise funding for Historic Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local non-profits. In addition to their ability to fund-raise, the Bears offer a window into the variety of good work being done by non-profits and community organizations in Henderson County.
This year Hendersonville’s artistic mascots benefit: Blue Ridge Humane Society, Hendersonville High School Scholarship Fund, Bruce Drysdale Elementary, Pardee Hospital Foundation, Boys & Girls Club, Mainstay, Smart Start, Housing Assistance Corporation, Child & Family Resource Center, Toys for Tots, Kiwanis, Monday Night Street Dance, Medical Loan Closet, Hospice, Open Arms Crisis Pregnancy Center, Interfaith Assistance Ministry, Henderson County Education Foundation Fund, St. James School for Little Folks, Council on Aging and Friends of Downtown. The bears have become so popular that Downtown Hendersonville prepares a walking map brochure that explains the program and describes each bear. Brochures are available at the Henderson County Visitor Center in Downtown Hendersonville, City Hall and at several North Carolina Welcome Centers.
Downtown Director Lew Holloway noted, “At the 2013 auction, several bears received 4-figure bids with the highest selling for $4,800. Downtown has seen this enthusiasm for the bears continue, enjoying renewed sponsor interest in Bearfootin’ 2014 and fielding support for 20 additions to the bear catalogue this year. We will have limited sponsorship opportunities for our 2015 collection and encourage you to contact us if you’d like to be involved in next year’s Bearfootin’ Art Walk.”
Of course, you still have an opportunity to take home your favorite 2014 bear. I’m talking about the great Bear Auction, scheduled for October 25th! Although it’s a day that we say goodbye to our bear friends as they move off the street and on to their permanent homes, many of you are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to take one home! Last year would-be buyers voiced disappointment that they were unable to attend the auction. In an effort to reach a broader audience pre-bids on the bears are being accepted in advance of the October 25th auction date. At the auction, bids will start at $700 (the cost of the bear before the artists bring the bears to life) unless a higher pre-bid has been placed in advance of the auction date.
Bears that receive pre-bids will be auctioned starting at the highest pre-bid on record and will be bid up in increments of $100 from there.
For more information or to place a pre-bid on your favorite, contact Dalleen Jackson at 828-233-3205 or email at djackson@cityofhendersonville.org. Bids will be accepted up until 12:00 pm on October 23.
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