The art project to save a Chinese Down Syndrome orphan has raised over $2,500 in the first 11 days. The 21-day project features the on-line auction of an original oil painting a day by Montmartre resident, Christalee Froese.
"I am simply blown away by the generosity around me," said Froese. "People from Canada, the USA and New Zealand have bid, which just goes to prove the power of the story of one little Chinese orphan named Mei Chen."
The complete sale price of the paintings will go to Mei Chen's adopting family, Bill and Kelly Schultz from Wisconsin, USA.
Froese identified the orphan in China when she went to adopt her own daughter and was told that no one was coming to adopt Mei Chen. Mei Chen's adoptive mother, Kelly Schultz, has been overwhelmed by the response to the effort to raise enough money for her family to travel to China this spring to rescue Mei Chen from her orphanage.
'Mei says thank you everyone! And her new Mommy and Daddy are so so thankful that sooo many people love our little girl so much! I am in tears at the outpouring of love by everyone for one very special little girl!" wrote Schultz on the Art for Orphans bidding site (www.21days2joy.wordpress.com).
The Art for Orphans auction ends on November 21 with a special announcement. The 21st painting will be the 'Buyer's Choice' as Froese will paint whatever is requested.
"I know some people missed out on paintings they wanted, or they have something in mind that is special to them, so I'm going to paint whatever the highest bidder on November 21 wants," said Froese.
Bidding starts today on Painting #21 - Buyer's Choice!
Current art can be viewed at Sister's Bistro in Montmartre, Sask.
For more information, contact Christalee Froese at (306) 424-2728.
