April 17, 2001
Budding artists auction paintings for Alzheimer's fundraiser
By Jefferson Wolfe
Staff Writer
Two residents of the Ruffing Care Center and their families went to Bucyrus Monday to celebrate the selection of their paintings to be displayed and auctioned for an Alzheimer's Association fundraiser.
Clara Herter and Lola Smith both had paintings selected for the auction, to take place April 20 at Camden Falls, said Melissa Mullins, from the Ruffing Care Center.
"Their paintings were unbelievable," she said. "Actually, Lola -- her family said she never even could draw. Clara, she was done in 15 minutes ... and it's so pretty."
They painted last month at St. Francis Care Center as part of an art therapy program conducted by Noell Hammer, of the North Central Alzheimer's Association.
"They're going to the preview party of the artists and the paintings at Altercare in Bucyrus," Mullins said. Their families also were invited.
"We're taking out bus and we're all going down," she said. "I'm going to have probably six with me and I'll probably have four or five more meeting me there."
One person is driving from Indiana for the event. Mullins said.
The painting helps the Alzheimer's patients to lose inhibitions and to express themselves, she said.
At first, Mullins was skeptical of the program, but after seeing the results, she changed her mind.
"I really believe it's what the Alzheimer's patient needs," Mullins said.
The auction, a fund raiser for the Alzheimer's Association, is to take place at 8 p.m. April 20 at Camden Falls. Tickets cost $10. The money raised is used for research and services for those afflicted.
The association, founded in 1992, provides research, education and advocacy services.