Bad art for a good cause once more

BY HOLLIE WATSON



Art and altruism will go hand in hand this Saturday with an annual fundraising bash that aims to raise both money for and awareness of three worthwhile local charities.

Now celebrating its 10th year, Bad Art-Good Cause “has raised over $30,000 for organizations like the Canadian Cancer Institute and the Multiple Sclerosis Society,� according to Pointe Claire resident Mike Vallée, who came up with the concept and whose paintings make up the backdrop for the night-long event.

Last year they raised over $7,000 for the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation and the West Island Women’s Shelter, which have been regular beneficiaries of the event.

“This year our goal is $10,000.�

Good Art-Bad Cause, in addition to the aforementioned, will channel much-needed funds to umbrella organization West Island Community Shares.

“It’s our first year with WICS. They got in touch with us, and have since gone above and beyond the call of duty in helping us out with the event,� Vallée said.

Bad Art-Good Cause will be held at the Canvas Gallery in Lachine for the third consecutive year (it was previously held at Marlowe’s restaurant in Pointe Claire, which is still a strong supporter of the fundraiser).

One much anticipated highlight is the “silent-to-live auction, which is in its fifth year and has turned out to be the grand-daddy of the event,� Vallée said.

Local sponsors and merchants have been generous, donating to the auction such items as DVDs, hockey tickets, and catered meals.

Food for the evening, which stretches from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m., is being supplied by some well-known area restaurants; music, a raffle, and a cash bar are other popular components. Collectors’ edition T-shirts for sale will also help raise extra funds.

“Every year it gets bigger and better — and it’s a great party,� said Vallée, adding a dedicated team of volunteers help make the fundraiser a success.

The ‘Bad Art’ moniker is somewhat tongue in cheek. Vallée is an accomplished artist in his own right.

“You have to be able to laugh at your own stuff,� he said, adding, “the idea is really to focus on the second part of the event.�

“Bad Art-Good Cause has grown by leaps and bounds,� said Rania Cotran, events co-ordinator for WICS, which supports roughly two dozen local groups through a series of activities (on Monday entries in an annual Christmas-tree competition between West Island businesses go on display by Sears at Fairview Pointe Claire).

“We wanted to get on board because there are so many great things about this event,� said Cotran, adding they’ve been lending a hand with publicity, running errands and other tasks.

Bad Art-Good Cause will be held at 870 Notre Dame St. For information on donating or becoming a ‘partner’ call 514-726-3099, or www.badartgoodcause.com.">www.badartgoodcause.com.">www.badartgoodcause.com.