Silent Auction Benefits New Tampa YMCA's Adaptive Programs

With brush strokes and bright colors, the New Tampa YMCA is raising money for its adaptive programs through the sale of canvas artwork.

A silent auction kicked off last Saturday and will run through next Saturday (Dec. 15).

Money garnered through the event will be put back into programming for participants with a wide range of special needs, including those with Down syndrome, spina bifida and autism.

The nearly 20 works of art were created by Y members with special needs under the guidance of adaptive art program instructor Kristin Osterman. The theme for the art pieces was “Home is where the heart is.”

“It’s amazing to see what they can do. It’s therapeutic,” Osterman said in a statement. “The students get to come together socially and have fun doing something creative.”

Kass Pilczuk, adaptive coordinator at the New Tampa YMCA, told Patch.com this is the third year the branch has held the silent auction. Last year, $500 was raised.

“We just have high hopes it will be a nice amount this year,” she said.

The New Tampa branch started its adaptive program offerings about 7 years ago. It began with swimming and they later added wheelchair basketball, adaptive basketball, tumble and cheer and, of course, art. Pilczuk said there are about 100 people served in the adaptive programs, which are at no additional cost to members.

Pilczuk encouraged both members and non-members to check out the auction. Artwork is displayed in the lobby. Bidding begins at $15. 

“They’re all trying to see who has more money on their picture,” Pilczuk said of the artwork creators.

The New Tampa YMCA is at 16221 Compton Drive. In addition to canvas paintings, there are also notecards, mugs, totes and other items.