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Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s raises $4K for Clothing Our Kids

November 10, 2019

A collaborative group of talented local artists, designers and craftspeople teamed up in August to create a one-of-a-kind surfboard to benefit Clothing Our Kids.

The unique and fully functional single-fin surfboard boasted a stunning custom design. Artisans included photographers Brian White of WhiteSail Studio and Sean Kelley; Dave and Tom Bracht of Brother Surf Crafts; and Jota Aretxabaleta, graphic designer and artist.

White and Kelley staged a successful photography exhibit featuring their original works at The Pines in Rehoboth Beach. It was sponsored by Clothing Our Kids board member Kathleen Schell with Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty. While planning the exhibit, the duo decided to donate 10 percent of all proceeds to Clothing Our Kids, which provides clothes, shoes and coats to at-risk elementary school children all over Sussex County at no charge. The volunteer-run organization works exclusively with school nurses at all 33 Sussex County elementary schools, since they are most familiar with the children’s family circumstances.

“We knew we wanted to support an area charity through sales of our photos,” said White. “When we learned more about Clothing Our Kids and the fact that they have donated thousands of articles of school clothing to kids in need in Sussex County, we wanted to help their mission.”

The idea was born to create and auction a custom surfboard with original artwork as a fundraiser for the organization, and the pair contacted Dave and Tom Bracht, owners of Brother Surf Crafts in Ocean View. The Brachts agreed to handshape and glass a 6-foot-8-inch Gerry Lopez Pipeliner board as a donation. The custom board features surf graphics by Kelley and White in a fish scale design with original artwork by graphic designer Jota Aretxabaleta of Barcelona, Spain, which was hand-painted by the artist during the opening-night exhibit.

“This is truly one of the most unique surfboards we have ever seen,” said Kelley. “It could be used in the water or as a piece of art in a home.” After the board was auctioned, 100 percent of the profits went directly to Clothing Our Kids.

“We thought it was a fun way for a surf and/or art lover to end up with a custom surfboard, all while supporting an incredible local charity, Clothing Our Kids,” said Kelley.

In accepting the donation, COK President Kate Gibson said, “We at Clothing Our Kids are all so grateful for the dollars raised and awareness spread for the kids in need right here in Sussex County. What a creative and successful event. Many thanks to all involved!”
 
For more information go to www.clothingourkids.org.

 
 
 
 

 

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