Gail McDaniel Raises $6,009 for Nashville Schools

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (February 2012) – With a little help from her friends, artist/instructor Gail McDaniel has raised $6,009 for arts education and the PENCIL FOUNDATION in Middle Tennessee.

The Franklin watercolorist will present approximately $4,000 in award grants to art teachers of Williamson and Davidson county public schools during an awards reception at her Franklin, Tenn., studio at 4:30 a.m. on Feb. 22 (Wednesday). Approximately $2,000 will be donated to the PENCIL Foundation’s LP PENCIL Box, a store that provides free educational supplies to area schools.

The funds were raised during a year-long campaign that ended with the 12th annual "January Chase-Away-The-Blahs Party" on Jan. 21. The live auction and lunch drew bidders from across Middle Tennessee. The Saucy Sisters (Barbara Nowak and Beverly Pittman) served as co-chairs of the event.

"Since 2001, we have raised more than $87,000 – the support has been overwhelming," said McDaniel.

"Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Award" grants will be issued through the PENCIL Foundation and FirstBank Cool Springs. The funds were raised through individual, business and foundation donations and the "Blahs Party". More than 100 items were donated for the live auction, including a private musical performance by multi-platinum songwriter Kenny Durham; admission for two to The Juggs' NashTrash Tour; handmade knitted items; artisan-made fine jewelry; a large collection of coffee table art books; and an appearance by Santa Claus.

Fundraising for the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Award" will continue on March 23 when The Saucy Sisters host a wine tasting at O Gallery at Marathon Village in Nashville.

For more information about the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Award" grants or to make a donation, call (615) 599-5115, send an e-mail to gail@gailmcdanielart.com, or visit http://www.gailmcdanielart.com.

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Photo Cutlines:

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (February 2012) – Artist/instructor Gail McDaniel (third from left) welcomes (from left) FirstBank Cool Springs Vice President/Financial Center Manager II Lana Preston and Beverly Pittman and Barbara Nowak of The Saucy Sisters to the 12th annual "Chase-Away-The-Blahs Party". The live auction, which occurred at Gail McDaniel's Franklin studio on Jan. 21, raised $6,009 for the purchase of student art supplies. The Franklin watercolorist will present award grants to art teachers from Williamson and Davidson county public schools during an awards reception at her studio on Feb. 22. A portion of the donations will be given to the PENCIL Foundation’s LP PENCIL Box, a store that provides free educational supplies to area schools. The artist has helped raise $87,131 for arts education since 2001. For more information about the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Award" grants or to make a donation, call (615) 599-5115, send an e-mail to gail@gailmcdanielart.com, or visit http://www.gailmcdanielart.com. (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

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