November 28, 2006 > Blackbird raffle

by Steve Warga

One fine autumn morning in 2005, Hayward artist-of-renown, Andrew Stoia sat with his wife, Connie, savoring cups of Paddy Iyer's superior coffee and discussing ways to help the victims of hurricane Katrina. Perhaps it was the java; maybe it was the friendly, comfy ambience of Paddy's Cafˇ in Union City; or might it have been all these factors combined with the Stoia's genuine interest in making a difference? The details don't really matter now. What does matter is that "Art for Aid" was born that morning and has grown into an ambitious, first-time fundraiser for the American Red Cross. If this raffle succeeds, Art for Aid will expand its reach to support worthy causes.

Stoia selected one of his distinctive sculptures, Blackbird, as the prize in a raffle. Since that morning at Paddy's, the Stoias have worked through the myriad details attendant to their project, including constructing a custom trailer for his work. They're now touring throughout the region to display the painted steel, glass and wood sculpture and to sell raffle tickets for $5 apiece.

There's still time to get in on this raffle, the proceeds of which will go entirely to Red Cross. The drawing will be held Friday, December 1 at 7 p.m. As tribute to the idea's birthplace, and to Paddy Iyer's strong support, the drawing will be at the Cafˇ. The winner will have a choice of Blackbird, or $100 in cash and need not be present to win.

For more information, call (510) 677-3569.


Blackbird raffle to benefit American Red Cross
Friday, December 1
7 p.m.
Paddy's Cafˇ
3900 Smith Street
Union City
(510) 324-8572
www.paddyscoffee.com
Raffle tickets, $5 each