Aluminum cans benefit Tulsa youth

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), May 1, 2008 by Heather Caliendo

Art pieces made from aluminum recycled cans sound a bit unconventional, but may in fact benefit the youth of Tulsa.

Blank Canvas - The Foundation for Our Future is a fundraising event for the Youth Services of Tulsa. This inaugural event serves as the largest fundraiser for YST and is replacing the long-running theme Radio Days.

Jim Walker, YST executive director, said after 19 years of the same theme, the board decided it was time for a change. With all of the current talk about the environment, Walker said a green theme seemed most suitable.

"The focus of our programs is youth, and it is important we plan for their future and take care of the environment now," he said. "We're tying it in as they continue to grow up we are thinking about their future."

The Foundation Art Project asked several local and national artists to create one-of-kind art pieces made from aluminum cans that will be auctioned off during the event.

Though recycled cans may not be the first idea in buying a piece of art, Walker said the pieces will be ascetically pleasing.

"They won't just be a hunk of aluminum sitting there, they will take recycle aluminum and make something attractive," he said. "The art theme also ties in with some of what we do; it's a great way for people to express emotions."

Talmadge Powell, event designer, said the new concept is intended to bring in a fresh approach and infuse new energy to the night.

"It's not going to be a typical chicken dinner night," he said. "We have added a few components to make the evening interesting and more memorable."

Patrons who attend will be able to participate in a silent and live auction. Besides auctioning off the exclusive art pieces, patrons can bid on vacations, dinner parties and sculptures.

That night QuikTrip Corp. and their employees will be honored for their support and donations to YST. For 16 years QuikTrip has sponsored YST Safe Place program, which provides services for youths to protect them from victimization.

Walker said people who have benefited from the various services of YST are going to speak at the event.

YST is nonprofit organization that uses programs and services to instill positive core values and teaches life skills that keeps youth safe, according to press release. Walker said they reach about 20,000 young people a year through services.

"We are United Way agency but we do depend heavily on local funding to allow us to serve all the youth that needs served," he said.

In years past the fundraiser has generated around 300 people, and Walker said this year they are expecting the number to be well over 400, in part because of the imaginative art pieces.

"People seem to be intrigue with the idea," he said. "They should come because it's a quirky, unique idea - fun visually; it's a different twist from other events."

Blank Canvas will be May 13 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel. Presenting sponsors are Explorer Pipeline and QuikTrip, and the George Kaiser Family Foundation is a major sponsor as well. Those interested in becoming a sponsor or purchasing tickets can contact Liz Cramton at (918) 382-4402 or visit www.yst.org.