On May 17, art lovers and Margaretville Hospital supporters gathered in the MTC Community Room for Margaretville Hospital’s Fifth Annual Art Auction, CATCH: Community Art to Community Health. The event was a resounding success, featuring art by Laura Taylor, Ron Macklin, Gary Mayer, Lisbeth Firmin, Judith Lamb, and other local artists.
After an introduction by WMCHealth Northern Region Executive Director Elissa Chessari, Hospital Board Members Dave Rama and Emilie Adams energized the assembled crowd with the auction of 40 pieces, including paintings, watercolors, mixed-media collages, and ceramics. An additional 25 pieces were offered in a silent auction through online bidding, allowing remote participation. Funds were raised through art sales, sponsorships, donations, and the sale of art notecard sets featuring pieces by the East Branch Delaware River Plein Air Painters.
Guests enjoyed jazz music by pianist Loren Daniels, catering by Connie Kearney, drinks, and sparkling beverages donated by Bear Maple Farms. Sponsors of the event included Margaretville Telephone Company, Alta Log Homes, Hubbell Farms, Phoenicia Diner, Richard A. Siegel and Polly de Mille, Sluiter Agency, BEAR Architects, Catskill Chapel, Coldwell Banker Timberland, Delaware Bulldozing, Hawk + Hive, and The Mountain Eagle.
Several preview events throughout the spring allowed attendees to view the artwork in advance and mingle with the artists. The Andes Hotel and Galli-Curci Theatre hosted preview receptions, and pieces were displayed at the Shandaken Inn and Union Grove Distillery.
“The event’s success demonstrates our community’s deep commitment to strengthening local healthcare,” said Emilie Adams, Margaretville Hospital Board Chair. “The funds raised will help support WMCHealth’s strategic initiative to expand primary care services at Margaretville Hospital, including essential facility upgrades. This brings us one step closer to our vision of accessible care for all community members.”
A Strong Commitment to Local Healthcare
The previous two CATCH auctions supported the Margaretville Hospital heliport campaign, and construction is anticipated to start late this summer. This on-site helipad will speed up patient transfers, improve access to WMCHealth’s trauma specialists, and optimize first responder resources. The Margaretville Hospital Foundation extends gratitude to all donors who have generously supported this critical project. The team remains committed to raising funds for our local hospital and is already collecting art for next year’s auction.