Sunday, August 27, 2006

Horsin� around

Invading the new clothing store at Red Brick Farm in Mayville, these horses are among many to be auctioned off Saturday, Sept. 16 as part of Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation’s 2006 campaign.
A herd of horses, stylized and interpreted by 36 regional artists, is stampeding into Chautauqua County this summer. The decorated rocking horses will be auctioned off at this year’s Horsin’ Around for Westfield Memorial Hospital — all proceeds to benefit the hospital.

‘‘These works of art are children’s wooden rocking horses and they can be seen in sponsors’ businesses throughout the county this month,’’ Ann E Weidman, foundation president, said, adding that sponsors are those who have contributed to the purchase of the horses.

From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Miller Bell Tower on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution, the horses will line up at the starting gate to be auctioned off in the first Horsin’ Around for WMH Derby. Participating sponsors, listed on the left of this page, also may be found on the official Web site: http://www.morganshorse.com./

In the meantime, however, each is available for pre-sale, the price is clearly marked at the display sites.

The original rocking horses was crafted by Roland Gebhardt, a New York City artist, for his two-year-old son, Morgan, more than 30 years ago. Since then, the horses have become well known to collectors and artists. His granddaughter now has great fun riding the original.

Creator Gephardt donated a second original rocking horse signed by him, which is on display in the Westfield Memorial Hospital lobby.

‘‘Those who attend the auction won’t be disappointed,’’ according to Penny Newman, foundation board member and chair for the Horsin’ committee. ‘‘It’s going to be a fabulous evening with great auction items and extraordinary cuisine. I encourage everyone to make a reservation for this great event to benefit Westfield Memorial Hospital.’’

The first hour will be devoted to the buyers being treated to a fun-filled reception with a variety of exceptional foods and music to give them time to scrutinize each horse and decide which to bid on at the auction, which also will offer fine works of art, extraordinary antiques and exceptional pieces of furniture.

In partnership with Food is Good, Inc., the foundation has organized the event to benefit all health services, particularly children’s, provided by the hospital.

‘‘Caring for children is a top priority at Westfield Memorial Hospital, from the moment they’re born to the treatment of any life-threatening injuries or illness,’’ according to Stuart W. Williams, hospital president/CEO. ‘‘We provide excellent primary care locally and advanced healthcare for them through our affiliation with Saint Vincent Health Center in Erie and Women and Children’s Hospital in Buffalo.’’

As for the ‘‘Horsin’ Around for WMH’’ theme, ‘‘The auction event will definitely be a time to kick back and bid on your favorite auction items,’’ Mrs. Weidman said. ‘‘The Chautauqua Lake setting on Sept. 16 certainly will lend itself to a fun-filled evening with great food, spirits and music. Besides, it’s for a good cause — our community hospital,’’ she said.

For more information about the auction and to make reservations to attend, call the foundation at 793-2328.
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: http://www.chautauqualakehomes.com/


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