“Arts for Parks” raises over $7,700 (and counting) for Warren Mickle Park

By Ron Giofu

Art lovers or those with an interest in helping a local park came to the AMA Sportsmen Association last weekend.

“Art for Parks,” presented by a group of local volunteers, helped raise money for Warren Mickle Park, a park located within Amherst Pointe. Leading the organizational efforts were Amherstburg residents Kurt Reffle and Shawn Wilkie.

Assisting with the event were Dennis and Debbie White, Mike Ethier, Nancy Kestwick, Bethany D’Alimonte, Frank DiPasquale, Brenda Scott, Greg Nemeth and Molly Allaire, the latter also being a town councillor.

As of Monday morning, the event raised $7,763 but that number could increase.

“We still have money coming in though and are hoping now to hit the $10,000 mark” Reffle told the River Town Times.

Reffle said they weren’t getting the amount of bids they hoped for on the main auction items but “we’re getting a lot of action on the other stuff.” They had $700 in committed sales before they even opened the doors with the Essex County ATV Club also giving a $500 donation.

“The amount of people who don’t like art and came to support the parks is cool to see,” said Allaire.

“It’s been an awesome turnout,” stated Wilkie.

Artists from Windsor-Essex County and beyond participated in the event. There were roughly 220 pieces of art that were donated to the event, Reffle stated, as well as 50 gifts that were up for sale including sports memorabilia. About 140-150 artists were part of “Art for Parks” with Reffle adding some artists donated multiple pieces.

Reffle said they had originally hoped to do something during Open Air Weekends but “things went sideways and here we are. It morphed into this.”

A second “Art for Parks” is planned for the summer, also at the AMA Sportsmen Association, with that one being an outdoor event.

Allaire added the AMA Sportsmen Association were “extremely helpful” in planning the event.

“We’re happy to be here,” said Reffle.

“It’s just so heartwarming to see everyone come out,” added Allaire.

Reffle said much of the artwork has a story behind it, including a piece donated by a Vietnam veteran. Proceeds from that piece will be donated to Vietnam veterans, he added.

Ken Reynolds of LaSalle joked “I know what I like” when it comes to art, adding he and his wife decided to come out to support the event. He said