Splashes of Hope colors our world

Healing through art. That’s the motto of Splashes of Hope. Since 1996, the Huntington-based non-profit organization has been sharing color and cheer with patients in medical settings through the creation of original, therapeutic art installations. 
Splashes of Hope’s founder Heather Buggee believes in the power of art to help patients through the healing process. Her group has been “splashing” its way around the world to help patients during treatment and recovery.
Its annual Gala & Art Auction, Friday, April 9, is an opportunity to celebrate Splashes of Hope’s impact on communities here on Long Island and elsewhere.
This year’s event at Land’s End in Sayville, features an auction of 20 original paintings, sculptures and other unique works of art, along with entertainment by the Rich Mahogany band.
  “This year promises to be the most exciting event we’ve ever held,” said Buggee. “We’re thrilled to have Long Island’s own Ken Grimball as our emcee; he’ll make an already fun-filled event even more dynamic! Plus, the works of art that will be auctioned are some of the finest we’ve ever offered.”  

The Gala will auction off the work of some of Long Island’s most prominent artists, including Doug Reina, Paolo Bianchi, and pieces created by Splashes of Hope staff and volunteer artists.
Proceeds from the evening will be used to support projects at Ronald McDonald Houses – including the facility in New Hyde Park – over the course of the next three years in a first-of-its-kind charitable initiative partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities. “The murals made possible by this gala will reach thousands of children,” Buggee said.
The evening honors Grant Hendricks, Jr., Vice President of Bimasco Inc. and President of G9 Turf, as Man of the Year.
  Hendricks, a longtime supporter of Splashes of Hope, said, “This wonderful organization lifts the spirits of children and their families throughout their treatment, recovery, and healing processes by creating joyful, one-of-a-kind artwork that is a treasure to behold. After attending their annual gala many times and filling the walls of my own home with their artwork, I am truly honored to play a part in helping them fulfill their mission.”
Splashes of Hope had its roots during Buggee’s years in art school, when a close friend was hospitalized, suffering from Hodgkin’s disease. Throughout that time the two began to plan how they could change the hospital surroundings. Propelled by their artistic instincts, they saw that it might be possible to make hospital environment a place that was more suited to the healing process by improving its aesthetics and adding positive imagery. 
“The idea is to bring artwork into the healthcare setting and create and atmosphere that is more conducive to healing,” Buggee explained. The freelance mural artist began by volunteering to paint tiles in area hospitals. From there, Splashes of Hope was born.
Today, Buggee is assisted by 40 volunteers and three full-time professional artists who bring their cheerful art installations to brighten up the bland, sterile surroundings of hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and other varied facilities.
Each mural is unique, specifically created to address the needs of people in a specific
setting.
The power of these art installations will be showcased at the event by “Young Splash Stars” – children who have displayed extraordinary bravery and creativity throughout their medical treatments.
When: Friday, April 9, 7 p.m. $150 per person.
Where: Land’s End, 80 Brown’s River Rd., Sayville. For more information, visit www.splashesofhope.org.