Lady in Red Art Auction Raises Over $1k for Embrace AIDS

by John Vanderveen, The Chronicle (student newspaper of King's University College)

The Micah Action/Awareness Student Society (MASS) at King's University College in Edmonton, Alberta, held an art auction on  to raise money for CRWRC's efforts to combat aids throughout the world.  The King’s club was able to raise over $1000 by selling a collection of art that had been donated by King’s students, alumni, and those in the greater CRC community.

The Lady In Red Art Auction drew a crowd of roughly one hundred people.  Many King’s supporters, faculty and students came to take in the live music and poetry reading as well as the dessert.  About 15 pieces were auctioned off with several of them bringing in over a hundred dollars towards the cause.

Jordyn Brandsma, one of the MASS leaders and chief organizer of the event, said “I’m surprised at how many people came.  We were able to raise more than I thought we would.”  This was the first time MASS had organized an event like this.  Brandsma, a third-year student, was encouraged by the response to the auction and said “I hope next year we can raise even more!”

The art auction is part of a greater effort by the CRWRC.  “Embrace AIDS” is a two year campaign to raise at least $3 million to address the spread and suffering of AIDS.  The campaign began on World Aids Day, December 1, 2007 and has already raised over $2.7 million.

Curtis Friesen is a King’s student who offered his musical talent at the auction.  He had this to say, “I was glad to help out with this.  We should all do more to stop the suffering caused by AIDS.”  Overall, the Lady In Red art auction was a success.  “There was great entertainment and it was great to see so many people come out,” said Friesen.

Many students may recall hearing Ida Mutoigo speak at a previous year’s I.S conference.  She is currently serving as the CRWRC-Canada Director and is largely responsible for the “Embrace AIDS” campaign.  She said that AIDS “is the single greatest opportunity for the global community to show the size of its heart and demonstrate how deep and how wide God’s love is.” 

MASS leaders did a wonderful job in organizing this event and certainly revealed the size of their hearts.  If you were unable to attend the auction but would still like to contribute to the cause, MASS encourages you to donate online.