Giving Back Through Art

Frozen Pond by Purple Hat

When you visit the Central California office of the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation you can’t help but notice the nature themed art work that surrounds the environment. Burn survivor Rex, AKA “Purple Hat,” has not only filled the walls of the Fresno office with his art pieces, but he is also having an art show where 10% of the proceeds will be donated to AARBF.

For years, Purple Hat has been trying to lighten the pain and emotional distress that burn survivors and their loved ones experience during this trying time by creating and displaying his art within the community.

Purple Hat originally had posted much of his art work in the old Fresno Burn Unit. “Unfortunately, all of that art had to be relocated when University Medical Center moved to its new location” but Purple Hat found a new home for his art pieces at the office of the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation in Fresno.

Recently, however, Purple Hat’s art will be displayed at the new burn center, the Community Regional Medical Center’s Leon S. Peters Burn Unit. “I am so excited about the opportunity to give burn survivors something to look at during their long stays.”

Purple Hat is currently presenting his art show at the Fresno Spectrum Art Gallery, 608 E. Olive in the Tower District, now through March 29, 2009. He will also be conducting a book reading on Saturday, March 28, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the same location.

For more information about this art show, contact the Spectrum Art Gallery at 266-0691
To learn more about Purple Hat, visit his website HERE

TGI Friday’s Throws a Benefit for AARBF! Come join in the fun!

T.G.I. Friday's Benefit

There’s a party going on and the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation is benefitting. T.G.I Friday’s is having a charity night on Monday, March 2, 2009 from 11 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. at the Puente Hills T.G.I.Friday’s Restaurant – 17427 Colima Road (626) 839-5044. When you present the event’s flier, 20% of the evenings sales will be donated to AARBF. Come out and support AARBF! Call our Burbank office at (818) 848-0223 and ask for Melissa and she’ll email the flier to you or email her at mkhamvongsa@aarbf.org. See you there!

Firefighter Bachelor Auction: April 18 @ Red Devil Lounge in SF

Open up your wallets ladies….10 eligible firefighter bachelors are going up for auction to benefit the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation. If the previous years’ event is any indication, these bachelors don’t need fire to get things hot.

The event is more or less like any other auction. Interested bachelorettes register and receive a paddle to make bids. The bachelors are shown onstage where you can learn a little about them. And the bidding begins. Historically, the prices go up the later the evening gets so bid early!

The winning women are then treated to an all-expense-paid date with their bachelor on a VIP limo wine tasting excursion with the other winners and their dates. http://www.hobolimo.com/ourlimos.htm There are firefighters on auction to meet everyone’s preferences so come out and check it out! 

Tickets are $35 at the door and $30 in advance. VIP tickets (for $75) give you a meet and greet with the bachelors, snacks, complimentary drink, and a VIP swag bag which includes goodies like a free lesson for pole dancing and more!  

To purchase tickets go to: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/30168 or call 1-800-838-3006

Contact: Emily Goldman, (510) 220-7741, auction@aarbf.org