On Jan. 22, more than 30 pieces of patriotic artwork went up for auction at Ohman Family Living at Briar in Middlefield. The majority of the artwork was created and donated by local Cardinal students.
Six professional artists including Chris Whitacre and Phyllis Schehl-Powell donated pieces. Geauga County leaders and citizens rallied in support of our veterans and bid generously.
Cardinal senior Jonathon San Miguel-Zins who took first place, Milanie Macarya, a tenth grader, took second and Sara Kangas, 11th grade, took third in the art contest. Each student received cash toward furthering their education.
All the money raised will be donated to Valor Retreat, a designated getaway for combat veterans, their families and Gold Star families in Hocking Hills. The Valor Retreat is the vision of the president and owner of Caritas Financial, Larry Teichman. He has donated acreage on which eight cabins will eventually be constructed.
This effort was spearheaded by the team at Ohman Family Living at Briar. They requested students express their appreciation to our veterans through their art and to connect and support vets struggling with both visible and invisible wounds.
“The Valor Retreat is near and dear to me because my uncle, whom I admired as a war hero and served in Vietnam, took his life as a result of PTSD.” says Joshua Wallace, VP of Growth Strategies.
Retired Marine Major Eric Burkett, a bi-lateral amputee wounded in combat, from New Castle, Pennsylvania along with his family shared with the attendees the struggles common to severely injured vets and the need for a haven getaway for healing veterans and their families. Major Burkett described the circumstances of his injury, discussed the difficulties while healing, and then later he and his family answered questions. After 30 minutes of sharing heart- wrenching memories, an audience member asked a question and thanked him for his service.
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