The Helping Art Liberate Orphans (HALO) foundation was able to raise more than $80,000 from its seventh annual ArtReach Auction. The March 6 auction at Capital Mall in Jefferson City was also the foundation's 10th anniversary.
Last year's auction raised around $40,000; this year's event was larger with more guests and art, said Elle Benage, HALO learning center director. The event's proceeds will help support programs for Jefferson City homeless and at-risk youth and the Mengo Home in Kampala, Uganda.
This year's event hosted roughly 300 people and was sponsored by multiple local businesses, including the News Tribune. There were live and silent auctions for art, including a photograph by Lacy Voight, HALO program director and a Jefferson City local.
"We are so incredibly touched and overwhelmed by the generosity of the Jefferson City community at this year's ArtReach Auction," said Rebecca Neuenswander-Welsh, founder of HALO. "Those who donated time volunteering, items for the silent auction, artwork for the live auction or shared a monetary contribution have made an impact by changing the lives of at-risk youth in our own community and abroad. Because of the dedication of our community members, we are able to expand our reach to even more youth."
One of HALO's current projects is to create a transitional living program for the more than 135 homeless and at-risk youth in Jefferson City, according to a HALO news release. The release also stated the Jefferson City Learning Center has been serving as a safe haven for youth with future-focused programming and educational workshops for three years.
HALO has 14 orphanages and programs in Uganda, Kenya, Mexico, India and Nicaragua. It provides food, water, shelter, clothing, education, art therapy, caretakers, and vocational training or college tuition for many children and teenagers in developing areas, including parts of Missouri, Oregon and California, according to its website.
Those who wish to volunteer or donate to HALO may send an email to [email protected]. To learn more about HALO in Jefferson City, visit halojeffcity.org or find the agency on Facebook.