HEEF to Host 7th Annual Silent Auction

The Hopi Education Endowment Fund (HEEF) invites you to join them for their 7th Annual Silent Auction in Phoenix on Saturday March 6th, 2010 at the Phoenix Hilton Garden Inn (4000 N. Central Avenue) from 6 pm - 8:30 pm.

With over 20 pieces of art from acclaimed native artists such as Kim Obrzut, Ed Kabotie, and Dan Namingha including the featured one-of-a-kind collaborative piece, "Blessing Song", by Verma "Sonwai" Nequatewa and Duane Maktima. Duane added, "We thought the title was appropriate for the fact that the HEEF now needs the Blessing of a song to nourish the seeds that the organization has planted. It is our prayer, our song and through our hands that the seeds planted will have the nourishment to grow exponentially in the future and to perpetuate the work of the HEEF and the gifts they have brought to the youth and Hopi people for the future to come. I am very proud to have been a part of this year's annual fund raising event, and I say kwakwhá to the HEEF, it truly was an Honor." HEEF Executive Director, LuAnn Leonard said, "We are thankful to both Verma and Duane for their creation of the signature piece in addition to all the other donating artists and we invite all to join us as this is their chance to not only get a piece of unique native art, but to also support Hopi Education programs." She also added, "For those not able to attend the event the HEEF also holds a raffle with dozens of prizes including Pendleton blankets, jewelry, gift certificates and a resort stays. "

In support of HEEF's efforts, several sponsors have committed to support the event including Premier Sponsor, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Major sponsors Arizona Public Service, Merrill Lynch, GoalBusters, Husk Partners, Walker & Armstrong LLC, Native Peoples and the Hopi Tribe Economic Development Corp. HEEF Development/Resource Manager Vernon Kahe stated, "We're very grateful to our sponsors, and with their support we look forward to hosting a wonderful event." He also added that the HEEF is still accepting sponsorship.

The auction serves as the HEEF's biggest fundraising event in which funds raised are used to support Hopi educational programs and provide funding for Hopi college students via the Hopi Tribe Grants & Scholarship Program. The HEEF welcomes all artwork donations and all donations are tax-deductible.

To view signature piece, "Blessing Song", as well as other artwork available for the 2010 HEEF Silent Auction click here>>>