One of Rutherford County’s favorite summer events is ready to ride with local artists returning to share their unique talents at “Saddle Up for Project Help”. Come join the fun on Thursday, July 26th at 6:30 p.m. at MTSU’s Foundation Reception House, located at 324 West Thompson Lane in Murfreesboro.
Saddle Up will feature returning favorite Raymond "Chi" Palma, a seventeen year old artist who has autism. His intuitive knowledge of the physical workings of animals along with his ability to create these unique sculptures at lightning speed is mesmerizing. Chi possesses a unique ability to create life-like replicas that have become very popular with the folks who attend Saddle Up. Chi is extremely generous- donating all proceeds from the night’s sales to Project Help.
Susan Waldrop, Project Help Director had this to say about Chi. “Chi’s art demonstrates that when we really look into ourselves we may discover extraordinary abilities; certainly such magnificent sculptures offer us a glimpse of what is possible.”
In addition to returning band Rhythm Kitchen, another favorite, Nashville artist Arthur Kirkby will fascinate the crowd by creating another painting during the event. This painting will be included in the silent auction.
The silent auction will also offer opportunities to grab deals on 4 roundtrip airline tickets (courtesy of Southwest Airlines), 4 1-day Hopper Passes to all the Disney Theme Parks, spa packages, tickets to sporting events, unique family fun items and date night outings. The wildly popular birdhouses decorated by the children at Project Help will be hot items along with the unique “Cards by Cuties”.
This year’s fundraising will go for program expansion with the ultimate goal being a preschool educational and therapies center: The Ann Campbell Early Learning Center. Project Help is Rutherford County’s only community/center-based inclusive preschool program and plays a crucial role in helping develop specific skills as well as social interaction and diversity.
For tickets, contact Project Help Advisory Board Co-Chair Sandy Mitchell at: sandym1626@hotmail.com. Guests are also encouraged to visit Saddle Up for Project Help’s Facebook page for event updates, including featured auction items - www.facebook.com/projecthelp
For more information contact Director Susan Waldrop at (615) 898-2458 or visit www.mtsu.edu/projecthelp