by Autumn Lau 

“Together, we can empower people of all abilities to be active, positive and contributing members of our community.” This is one of Artists Creating Together’s (ACT) core values. 

ACT, a non-profit organization that empowers individuals with disabilities to learn, grow and celebrate the arts, is hosting their 30th annual WE ARE ALL Auction, on November 7at 6 p.m. at the Goei Center. 

“We’ve been hosting this since 1990 to raise funding for our mission, and each year about 350 community members come out and support our organization,” said Emily Evers, Advancement Director of ACT.

The event will feature work from students, as well as interactive art activities. Award-winning entertainer Darius Colquitt will be leading a student stepping performance, and a teaching assistant DJing will provide musical entertainment with a student assistant. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to bid in a silent and live auction. Auction items include art pieces from ACT students and local professional artists, along with packages from local West Michigan businesses. Patrons may also enjoy a strolling dinner and a cash bar throughout the evening.

In recognition of its 30th year, ACT will be awarding Dennis Grantz, the organization’s first executive director, with the Creativity Takes Courage Honorary Award. 

“It was his idea to start the event back in 1990 and since then it has grown so much and supported our mission immensely,” Evers said.

Proceeds raised from the event go towards ACT’s goal of empowering youth and adults with disabilities to grow through the arts. If you’re interested in attending, tickets are $80 and available online at artistscreatingtogether.org.

What: WE ARE ALL Auction 
When: Thursday, Nov. 7, 6 pm.
Where: Goei Center, 818 Butterworth St SW
Cost: $80