CATCH - Community Art To Community Health Margaretville Hospital Art Auction May 17

MARGARETVILLE - Photos from the 2024 Margaretville Hospital CATCH Auction.

MARGARETVILLE—This year's Margaretville Hospital Art Auction will be held on Saturday, May 17, in the MTC Community Room from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., with the auction beginning at 6 p.m.

The CATCH (Community Art to Community Health) auction is the hospital's fifth annual event. The first two auctions were hosted by the hospital board, initiated by former member Jim Howie. "At the time, there wasn't a budget for this kind of thing," said Board Chair Emilie Adams. Jim and I decided to do it anyway." The board raised roughly $13,000 in the first year and nearly doubled the following year. "And we have doubled that second auction, too," said Adams. "It was through the support of the community and so many donations, from art to food and wine, that we were able to pull it off (that first year)," Adams recalled. This experiment, she said, became one of the most successful fundraisers of the year for the hospital.

Over the last few years, funds have been allocated to the helipad construction project. Auction funds, along with monies from annual appeals, donations, the thrift shop, and grants, will all be used for the helipad, which is set to break ground in the coming months.

"Margaretville is a small, but vital, critical access hospital," noted Adams, "We do not have the volume larger communities have. In order to continue to grow there has to be some fundraising involved."

The goal this year is to improve and expand the primary care facilities. Adams said building and equipment upgrades are needed. The hospital is seeking to expand primary care offerings by hiring more care providers.

"Our hispital was built by this community and I know our community feels strongly about supporting it," said Adams. "Whether it's this auction, money raised by the thrift store, or our annual appeal, this is a giving community."

Even the art comes from donations from local artists or local collectors.  For example, Adams said, former chair Rob Andersen and his wife Jan donated several pieces this year. There are 66 pieces up for auction, including paintings, photography, and sculpture. While there are many familiar artists this year, Adams said there are some new artists featured.

"One thing that excites me about this auction is that ticket sales really took off," she said, "I think we are going to need a larger space next year."

Unfortunately, tickets to this year's event have sold out. However, participation from afar can still take place through online proxy bidding or a silent auction. To view art or donate to the hospital, visit wmchealth.org/catch. To arrange proxy bidding, contact Ciny VanderPlaat at cindy.vanderplaat@wmchealth.org.