Columbia, Lexington Young Professionals Pledge Record Number of Volunteer Hours during Second Time for Art Event

COLUMBIA, SC – Eight Columbia and Lexington young professional organizations joined forces on April 16 for the second Time for Art, a unique silent auction of local art, where volunteer hours are bid instead of dollars.

During the auction, hosted by United Way of the Midlands Young Leaders Society (YLS) and Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR), bidders chose from 45 pieces of art donated by local and regional artists. In total, 3,169 hours were pledged, exceeding last year’s total by 500 hours.

“The volunteer hours raised are worth $65,154.64 based on the value of volunteer time in South Carolina,” said Katie Bullard,YLS member. “This event is a perfect way to expose young professionals to the arts community while identifying ways they can give back and serve the Midlands.”

Awards were given to artists in the following categories:

Most Hours Bid
First place with 180 hours bid:  “Hallucinogenic Idealism” by Alexandra White
Second place with 170 hours bid: “Magnolia” by Mary Catherine Newman
Third place with 160 hours bid: “Flood Tide” by Darra Cothran

Young Professionals Award – voted best in show by the Time for Art Committee.
“Voo Doo Child” by Heather Jeter

Aflac Award – voted best in show by Time for Art’s signature sponsor, Aflac.
“Flood Tide” by Darra Cothran

“Contributing artists can be proud that their work not only brings joy to the auction winners, but also benefits local nonprofits throughout the year as winners work to complete their volunteer hours,” said Naomi Sargent, COR member.

Winners can work their hours at any nonprofit throughout the Midlands, and have until March 1, 2016 to fulfill their pledge.