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When Joe and Priscilla Young, of Wears Valley, Tennessee, informed their friend and artist, Kathryn Rutherford and her husband, Greg, that their youngest child, four year old, Emily, was heading for surgery to remove a malignant brain tumor, time stood still.
“My heart skipped a beat”, says Kathryn, “Things like this are supposed to happen to other people, not to people you know and definitely not to an adorable young child my husband and I have watched grow up over the past several years.”
Like many Americans, the Youngs have no health insurance. The family began placing donation cans with Wears Valley friends and businesses that wanted to help and needed a place to contribute their coins to the cause. Tennessee State Bank set up a bank account in Emily’s name to accept financial donations that would go toward the family’s ever-increasing medical expenses.
“My husband and I don’t have health insurance”, stated Kathryn “and we can certainly understand and sympathize what a traumatic situation it is to be caught between the concern for a loved one and a concern for the budget.”
Rutherford realized she could use her time and talents to not only help the Young’s, but to doubly present some lucky person the gift of a lifetime. For a small donation fee, Kathryn decided to raffle a framed 20”x24” full brush oil portrait of the winner’s choice. The portrait could include the winner's home, pets, ancestors (as in her highly acclaimed “Spirit Portraits”) or any subject with up to six figures. When completed, the winner will be allowed to purchase reproductions of the gift portrait for themselves or for family and friends.
"For five dollars a chance, or five chances for twenty dollars," says Kathryn "someone is going to possess a lasting heirloom with a retail value of almost seven thousand dollars. This is an opportunity to help with a great cause and take home an item today’s economy might never allow people to commission for themselves. ALL PROCEEDS go to Emily’s bank account and medical bills."
Tickets were sold during the entire month of July and the winning entry was chosen July 31, 2009 at 5pm at the Wears Valley Tennessee State Bank. The winning entry, submitted by Jean Shamblin, was chosen by Tennessee State Bank employee Rachel Cimino.
Jean wanted to win the portrait so much, she purchased twenty dollars worth of tickets to increase her chances. Luck was definitely on her side when you consider that she is a local Tennessee resident and tickets were sold to visitors to the area from as far away as Florida, Mississippi, Michigan and Ohio.
After much thought Jean, an artist and potter herself, decided that the subject of her winning painting should be a story-telling portrait of original design that makes the best use of Kathryn's talents and particular skills. She felt the final subject matter should not only be of something historical or lasting, but, perhaps include people or persons notable of recognition.
At this time, research is still being done to determine the final subject matter of the painting. Jean has, however, stated that she will offer Kathryn the right to reproduce the finished work and offer it for sale in reproduction to the general public.
"After everything you've done to raise money for Emily's cause, it's only fair that you have the right to offer your artwork to your clients so they can enjoy it as well", said Jean. "Besides", she added "I'll always know I have the original work hanging on my wall."
Details about the final painting and available prints will be posted in future announcements.
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