The Photographers Adventure Club is hosting their 3rd Annual Silent Auction to benefit the Down Syndrome Network of Arizona on July 15-17 at the Maricopa County Home and Landscape show at the University of Phoenix stadium in Glendale. The “PAC Gives Back” fundraiser will feature 150 framed original works donated by emerging and award-winning photographic artists.
Auction bids will start at $20 and participants will be able to bid on the works both at the show and online at www.PacGivesBack.org during the three day event. All proceeds will directly benefit the local nonprofit serving the Down syndrome community in Arizona.
“This event is very special for us because PAC (Photographers Adventure Club) members located all over the country are able to contribute together in this single effort,” says PAC President, Nicholas Pappagallo.”
He adds, “It’s a fantastic feeling knowing that every photo donated will not only brighten a home for years to come, it will also brighten the future for the families of DSNetwork of Arizona.”
DSNetwork of Arizona was founded in 2002 by a group of parents of children with the condition who wanted to create a “one stop information source” for families. The nonprofit offers resources on special needs services, easy access and response on legislative issues affecting Down syndrome families and an opportunity to share information and get support from other parents.
| For event information, call PAC at 406-646-6477 or email info@PhotoAdvClub.com |
According to Sarah Hales, Co-Chair of the DSNetwork Board of Directors, “We continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity of PAC, the Maricopa County Home Show, and all the incredible photographers who contribute to this event. Thanks to them, thousands of families who seek critical services will continue to receive them.”
The sponsor of the printing and framing for the annual event is Vivyx Printing in Tempe. Dan Hill, owner and manager, says: “PAC Gives Back is really a win-win for us. We get to support local photographers and also support families in the Down syndrome community.”
The first two “PAC Gives Back” events raised a combined $40,000 in donations for the nonprofit. Pappagallo says that this year’s goal is to raise $30,000 to be used for DSNetwork educational funding.
PAC was founded in 2008 in Arizona to offer a wide variety of learning opportunities and social events for photographers. The organization now has 30 chapters in 16 states and over 60,000 participating members in their online forums on social media and on their website at www.PhotoAdvClub.com.
In addition to funding, Hales believes the yearly event also raises awareness to Down syndrome. “One in every 691 babies in the US is born with Down syndrome, the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition, and in Arizona approximately 160 babies are born each year with the condition,” Hales says. “Only 30 years ago these individuals were not given a bright outlook for the future, much less go to school. Today many children with Down syndrome attend school and even graduate college.”
She adds, “Each individual has their own unique personality, capabilities and talents. Children with Down syndrome learn to sit, talk, play and most other activities, they just need a little more time to master these skills. Life’s journey with someone who has Down syndrome is an amazing experience.”
For event information visit www.PACGivesBack.org, call 406-646-6477.or email info@PhotoAdvClub.com. To learn more about Photographers Adventure Club, visit www.PhotoAdvClub.com. For information on DSNetwork Arizona, volunteer opportunities or to donate, visit www.DSNetworkAz.org or call (480) 759-9150.