Maronite Children Paint for Charity Benefiting Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick

Sydney, NSW -- February, 11, 2004 -- Australian artist Sid Chidiac will host the Maronite Children's Art Auction benefiting Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick on Sunday, March 7th from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM at Sheraton On The Park in the Grand Ballroom on Level Two (Sheraton On The Park is located at 161 Elizabeth Street). Children ages 3 - 12 from suburban Sydney neighborhoods will gather to create acrylic on canvas artwork that will then be sold at an auction to raise money for the Hospital.

The Maronite Children's Art Auction is organized by Mr. Chidiac (www.sidchidiac.com), children’s book author Colton Lawrence and Diana Chidiac, a businesswoman from Green Acre and mother of two.  "So many friends and family from the Maronite community have received excellent healthcare for their children at Sydney Children's Hospital," says Ms. Chidiac. "Due to these experiences, we felt inspired to do something -- and the community has opened its arms."

In order to ensure that a minimum of $10,000 is raised for the Hospital, parents of the children taking part in the event have agreed to donate $500 for their child's painting.  Though during the auction, visitors to the event will have the opportunity to outbid the parents on the children's artwork.  "We sincerely hope there will be outside interest in the paintings by our young artists.  But regardless of the bids, each painting will fetch at least $500 for the hospital," said Mr. Chidiac.

All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible and go directly towards benefiting patients treated at Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick. Generous donations from Sheraton On The Park, Style Kitchen P/L, and Barry Callebaut Chocolate Company have ensured 100% of all proceeds raised will go directly to the Hospital in support of cancer research. Representatives from Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick will be onsite to collect donations and provide information about the Hospital and how the funds will be used.

Mr. Chidiac was inspired to organize the event after spending the past successful year in New York.  During his stay in Manhattan, Chidiac exhibited his unique portraits made of chocolate, but more importantly became involved with his first charity event.  "I donated paintings to the Australian American Association, which were auctioned at the Australian Consulate in New York," says Chidiac.  "Proceeds of the auction went to the family of children suffering from cancer.  To be just a small part of that experience gave me inspiration to come back to Australia and give something back to my hometown."

The free Maronite Children’s Art Auction is open to the public and will feature refreshments and entertainment. The children will paint from 10:30 AM to 12:00 N, and the auction will take place at 1:00 PM. Registration forms can be found at www.sidchidiac.com and by clicking on the Children’s Art Auction hyperlink.