Artist paints vision for cause

EAST COUNTY — World-renowned artist Michael Israel has made his artistic mark before corporate audiences such as shareholders of Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway and Citi Financial Group. But he is helping to paint a vision for charities nationwide, as well.

The artist known for flinging paint and spinning canvases to energetic music, while evoking the emotions of his audience, will visit Sarasota this month to raise funds for families affected by pediatric brain cancer.
Michael Israel’s “Ignite Your Senses” will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 29, at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota. The event benefits the Payton Wright Foundation, a Lakewood Ranch-based, not-for-profit dedicated to helping families caring for a child with brain cancer.

“It’s going to be a fun night,” said Holly Wright, who co-founded the Payton Wright Foundation with her husband, Patrick, after their 5-year-old daughter, Payton, died of pediatric brain cancer in 2008. “My biggest goal is just to have people know and understand our foundation and the needs of families (affected by cancer).”

Tickets cost $150; the price includes an open bar, a gourmet dinner and the show by Israel, as well as a chance to bid on some of his work. VIP tickets for $250 also include a special meet-and-greet with Israel before the show. Israel’s artwork from the night will be auctioned off as part of the event.

A humanitarian who has helped raise funds for more than 60 organizations, Israel said he is eager to bring awareness and help build a legacy for the Payton Wright Foundation.

“I try to develop a deep rapport with the audience and create an experience that empowers them and also communicates the mission of the charity,” Israel said. “It’s amazing that does it in a way that’s visual. You go in and you enjoy this fun show, but you come away feeling uplifted and empowered. It’s impossible to explain.”

The event is the Payton Wright Foundation’s first gala. The Wrights say they are thrilled to have Israel’s support.

“It’s going to allow us to help more families,” Patrick Wright said.

The Payton Wright Foundation this year has donated nearly $30,000 to assist families caring for children with pediatric brain cancer.

For information about the organization, visit www.paytonwright.org.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

IF YOU GO
Ignite Your Senses
When: 6 p.m. Oct. 29
Where: Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota
Tickets: $150 each for regular admittance or $250 for VIP
Details: Ticket price includes open bar, gourmet dinner and show by artist Michael Israel. VIP tickets include a pre-show meet-and-greet with Israel. Show also includes musical performances by Payton Wright’s sister, Savanna Wright.
Schedule: Cocktail hour starts at 6 p.m., with dinner following at 7 p.m. Artist performance starts at 7:30 p.m. A VIP cocktail reception starts at 5:30 p.m.
Attire: Black tie optional
Registration deadline: Oct. 17
Tickets: www.paytonwright.org or www.michaelisrael.com