An art benefit auction is being held online through Oct. 15 to benefit Merrill native Anne Germain, who has medullablastoma, a rare but aggressive tumor normally found in children. Anne has had two major brain surgeries in the past few months. The second surgery left Anne with some major side effects. Even after two surgeries they were unable to retrieve the entire tumor.
From the UW Hospital in Madison, she was referred to Chicago for chemotherapy and proton radiation treatments.
Anne, 23, a standout art student and mural artist at Merrill High School, recently graduated from Globe University as a licensed massage therapist.
Online bidding for the art auction benefit runs through Oct. 15 at www.artandheartforanne.com. Nearly 150 items, many by local artists and crafters, are available for bidding. Some of Anne’s own artwork is included, as well.
An art gala will be held Saturday, Oct. 12 at T. B. Scott Library in Merrill from 12:30-3:30 p.m. The social gathering will feature baked goods, coffee, live music and some of the items up for bids.
“We want to make it more personal than just being online,” said benefit co-organizer Kitty Gartmann.
Gartmann said she was amazed at the outpouring of support from those who donated items for the auction.
“We could not have done this without this community,” she said. “One hundred forty-five donations speaks volumes about this community.”
All proceeds will go to Anne and her family. For more information, contact Kitty Gartmann at 715-581-3540 or Brittany Schmelling at 715-297-5595.