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Art for Autism

Gala fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, November 2, at Heritage Inn.

The Art for Autism fundraiser aims to raise money to help those affected by Autism in the local area.

The fundraiser will benefit the EK Behaviour Intervention Program, a local non-profit agency that provides therapy for children with Autism.

Brandi Sims' five-year-old son Riley is autistic and receives therapy from the program.

"The program is amazing and has helped us exponentially," said Sims, who is also organizing the event. "Unfortunately, they're facing some rising operating costs, so we're trying to raise some money to offset these costs, and help keep the kids with as many therapy hours as they can get."

The fundraising event will be a gala at the Heritage Inn on Saturday, Nov. 2 that will feature food, cake and drinks. There will be live entertainment from the likes of Bud Abbott, Leather Britches, Tom Bungay and Trena Spears.

“We will be featuring a silent art auction, with all pieces donated by artists and even some private collectors who have donated from their collections,” Sims said. “There are photo prints, paintings, jewelry, pottery ... any kind of art you can imagine.”

Sims said the featured auction collection will be one that was created specifically for this function.

“The pieces were a collaborative effort by the kids in the program, along with an art therapist and a local artist,” she said. “The pieces are amazing. There is one large central piece with four smaller pieces.”

Mickey Sims, Riley’s Grandpa and former resident of Cranbrook, who was involved in the boxing club and was a local deputy sheriff, will be the emcee.

The fundraising goal is $15,000 and tickets for the event will be $30. The event is Nov. 1 from 6 p.m. till 10 p.m.

The event has some local corporate sponsors, but Sims said they are hoping to get some more.

For more information go to the fundraisers website at www.art-for-autism.com, or contact Sims by email at brandy@art-for-autism.com or by phone at 250-417-0092.