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Artie's Party a Big Success
By Jim Hingst
More than forty-five pinstripe artists gathered at Artie’s Party in Syracuse, New York at the New York State Fairgrounds this past July 17-19 and donated their time and talents to decorate a variety of objects, including metal panels, purses, wooden toilet seat covers, garbage cans, and even a cow skull. Their works of art were auctioned off with all of the proceeds contributed to the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Site. This year the Artie’s Party pinstripers raised $37,500.
Housed in a homelike setting, the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Site provides a safe haven for sexually abused children. According to Executive Director Julie Cecile, one in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused in this country before the age of eighteen.
In 2008, the child advocacy site, which serves Onondaga County in upstate New York, received more than 5,200 hotline calls. McMahon/Ryan provides its services working in cooperation with child protective services, law enforcement professionals, prosecutors, and mental health agencies.
“With the money we raised, we were able to hire a mental health professional and a part-time child advocate,” says show organizer Artie Schilling from Surf Side Beach, South Carolina. “Last year, 246 kids received medical care and counseling.”
This was the third year the charity panel jam was held at the Syracuse Nationals, a classic car event that typically attracts more than 70,000 visitors each year. Many of the finest stripers in the world traveled from as far away as California, Canada, and England to participate.
Sign writer and striper Neil Melliard from London, England has attended the charity event for the last three years. “Coming here gives me a chance to rub shoulders with some really creative people,” he says. “It also gives me a chance to support my friends and a really great cause.”
Although the pinstripers participating in the event enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow artists, what motivates them to devote their weekends to this charitable cause is the sense of satisfaction that they get knowing that they’re helping children in need of care. “I’d like to thank all of my pinstriping friends for contributing to the success of Artie’s Party,” says Schilling.
Below are some photos of this year’s event:
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