Arts Place committee offers thanks

To the editor:

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the 42nd Annual Holiday Benefit Auction at the Jay County Campus of Arts Place such an incredible success.

Held on Friday, Nov. 22, this year’s auction raised a generous $13,960, a testament to the generosity and community spirit of Jay County. Your contributions drive our mission to cultivate a vibrant arts culture, nurture local talent and share the transformative power of the arts with all. 

The funds raised will directly support vital programs like MusicWorks, ArtWorks and Arts in the Parks, as well as exhibitions and performances at the Jay County Campus of Arts Place and the Hudson Family Park amphitheater. These initiatives enrich lives, strengthen our community and spark creativity,  and they would not be possible without your steadfast support. 

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the dedicated donors and enthusiastic bidders who made this event such a success. My sincere thanks also go to the staff at Arts Place: executive director Carolyn Carducci, Jay County Campus center director Shawnda Roussey and team members Amanda Chaffins, Teresa Penrod, Greg Ashley and Allison Smiley. Special recognition is due to the Holiday Benefit Auction Committee — Anni McClung, Bonnie Maitlen and Mary McCord — as well as members of the Arts Place board of directors for their tireless work behind the scenes. 

We are also deeply grateful to the many businesses and individuals whose generosity added to the evening’s success. A special thank you to Jay County Beverage for providing refreshments, Loy Real Estate and Auction for its invaluable services and local favorites like Mrs. P’s, Kuhn’s Den, Dick’s Pizza, Greek’s Pizzeria, Pizza Hut, Pizza King and Payless Pizza for their contributions. Our appreciation also goes to Rob Weaver at WPGW, Bailey Cline at The Commercial Review, and community groups like the JCHS German Club, Jay County Wrestling Club, Jay County Civic Theatre, Jay County Chamber of Commerce and Youth Service Bureau for their invaluable support. 

To the businesses, artists and private donors who contributed unique and creative auction items, thank you for your generosity and vision. And to our bidders, whether loyal supporters or first-time attendees, your spirited participation brought the evening to life. 

Once again, thank you for being an essential part of the 42nd Arts Place Holiday Benefit Auction. Your support continues to make a lasting impact on the arts in our community, and we are immensely grateful. Mark your calendars — we can’t wait to see you at next year’s auction on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. 

With warm appreciation, 

Kristen Gibson 

2024 Holiday Benefit Auction committee chair