For more information contact:
Sandy McPherson
Phone:  407/481-2774  Cell:  407/832-1061
sandy@gocmn.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ORLANDO, FL, September 13, 2005  -- "Home Is Where the Art Is,” an auction of artwork created by children treated at Shands Children’s Hospital at the University of Florida and Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women, will be hosted by Robb & Stucky Interiors in Altamonte Springs.on Thursday, September 15, 2005 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.,

Art as a healing medium is emerging as a useful tool in the treatment of physical illness.  Art therapy encourages children to depict their world as they see and experience it as they make their way toward health.  The Arts in Medicine program at Shands Children’s Hospital and the Healing Arts program at Arnold Palmer Hospital bring artists, family members and medical staff together to share the experience of creative healing.   

The event features artwork created by patients working with some well-known guest artists from the Central Florida community.  Proceeds from the auction will benefit the pediatric programs at Shands Children's Hospital and Arnold Palmer Hospital through Greater Orlando Children's Miracle Network. This money is used to fund patient care equipment, programs and research that benefit more than 250,000 children treated at these hospitals each year.

Children's Miracle Network (CMN) began in 1983 to actively support better health care for kids.  Today more than 170 hospitals throughout the United States and Canada, specializing in treating children, make up CMN.  The organization is unique in that 100 percent of the money raised locally stays in the local community to benefit the participating CMN hospitals.

            “Home Is Where The Art Is” is open to the public.  Admission is $50 pr person.  To make reservations or for more information, visit Robb & Stucky Interiors at 351 South Sate Road 434, Altamonte Springs, or call Greater Orlando Children's Miracle Network at (407) 481-2774 or visit www.gocmn.org. 

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