Pecans, art sales used to benefit Haitian disabled

(Banner Staff Photo by Don Treul) Bullard artist Don Bristow offered half of the proceeds of the sale of his art from the Chaotica 2010 collection to help disabled victims suffering as a result of the Haitian earthquake. Bristow also hosted a benefit for all of the proceeds from the sale of pecans from the Sorrells Ranch in Comanche County to be used in Haiti. About $500 was raised to help find four disabled Haitian artists, and to advocate for the disabled during the relief effort in Haiti.

Bullard artist Don Bristow and his wife Sandy Bristow hosted a benefit Friday, Jan. 26, at their home in Pecan Valley Ranch. The proceeds to be used in Haiti included 50 percent of the sales of original art by Bristow, featuring Chaotica 2010, and 100 percent of the sales of pecan gift baskets and raw pecans from Sorrells Farms in Comanche County.

Dr. Fred Sorrells is the president of the Global Art Initiative and the International Institute of SPORT, which focuses on the assistance and advocacy for the disabled.

(Banner Staff Photo by Don Treul) Bullard artist Don Bristow, left, and his wife Sandy Bristow, hosted a benefit at their Bullard home Friday, Jan. 26. Proceeds were used to help disabled Hatians in the aftermath of the earthquake that hit the region in January. Additionally, copies of Dr. Charles R. Gordon’s book, “In Plain Sight – Seeing God’s Signature throughout Creation,” were available for sale during Pecans for Haiti Relief. All of the book sales proceeds went toward the benefit.

“While aid is pouring into Haiti, our focus is towards the disabled who oftentimes are overlooked by relief efforts,” Bristow said in a written statement. “So, in addition to assessing the situation of our artists and helping them, Dr. Sorrells will advocate for the disabled.”

According to Bristow, the Global Art Initiative’s mission is to break the poverty cycle for disabled artists in third-world countries. The non-profit organization focuses on education and the sale of original artwork to benefit handicapped artists globally.

Bristow, who is a Web site designer, designed and maintains the Global Art Initiative Web site. He also is the technology coordinator for the initiative, which is headquartered in Burnet.

Sorrells, who has natural disaster experience, speaks French and has been to Haiti several times, traveled with relief supplies to Haiti Friday, Jan. 26, in an effort to locate four of the disabled artists the institute represents, including three who reside within blocks of the presidential palace. All four artists were located and in good health.

To make a donation, visit the institute Web site at www.iisport. org, click the “Make a Donation” button on the left column or call (903) 894-8224. Checks can be made payable to Global Art Initiative and mailed to Global Art Initiative, PO Box 1245, Burnet, TX 78611.