Art Chocolate and Stories - McDowell
Schedule
Thu, 16 Apr, 2026 at 06:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
Blanton House Restaurant & Venue | Marion, NC
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFreedom Life Announces 4th Annual “Art, Chocolate, and Stories” Fundraiser Featuring International Silent Auction and Client-Inspired Art
MARION & NEWLAND, NC – Freedom Life is proud to announce its most immersive fundraiser to date. The 4th Annual Art, Chocolate, and Stories event, held this April in honor of National Reentry Month, will transform the traditional gala experience into a global journey of restoration and resilience.
As Freedom Life’s impact has expanded throughout the region, so has the caliber of this event. This year, the fundraiser offers a rare opportunity to bid on a collection that spans from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the African continent, all while celebrating the profound human transformations happening right here in Western North Carolina.
Art Inspired by the Journey
This year’s event features a deeply personal addition: each of the 12 featured tables will showcase original art inspired by an individual client’s steps through the reentry journey. These pieces serve as a visual narrative of the transition from incarceration to community, capturing the quiet strength and colorful hope of those reclaiming their lives.
Global Treasures & Local Excellence
For the first time, guests can take home pieces from an exclusive Silent Auction at every table. The collection includes:
Global Rarities: Masterfully Carved Ostrich Eggs from Nigeria and iridescent South African Butterfly Wing Art.
Regional Excellence: Exquisite pieces from the High Country Potters and intricate Handmade Quilts representing the heart of Appalachian craftsmanship.
Visual Storytelling: A curated selection of original paintings and professional photography capturing the resilience of the human spirit.
The Power of Partnership and Community
The success of Freedom Life’s programs is not achieved in isolation. It is the result of a supportive community and strategic partnerships that provide the foundation for every "new beginning."
"Our program thrives because our community chooses to see potential where others see a past," says the Freedom Life leadership team. "The partnerships we share with local businesses, faith leaders, and donors are the essential bridge that allows our clients to access housing, stable employment, and the mentorship necessary for long-term success."
Every dollar raised through ticket sales and the silent auction directly funds these critical services, ensuring that the transition back into North Carolina communities is met with a hand up, not just a way out.
Event Details & Ticket Information
The Avery County Event
Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 PM | Avery Community Center (Newland)
Featuring a Live String Trio for an evening of elegance and conversation.
The McDowell Event
Thursday, April 16 at 6:00 PM | The Historic Blanton House (Marion)
Featuring The Bruce Long Orchestra, a high-energy jazz band perfect for a "jig on the patio."
Tickets:
Individual: $30 | Couple: $50
Available at any Freedom Life office, by calling 828-559-2224, or by emailing [email protected].
About Freedom Life:
Freedom Life provides essential reentry services for individuals returning to North Carolina communities. By offering housing assistance, employment support, and dedicated mentorship, Freedom Life empowers individuals to build productive, meaningful lives post-release.
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Media Contact:
Freedom Life Ministries
Phone: 828-559-2224
Email: [email protected]
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Where is it happening?
Blanton House Restaurant & Venue, 239 South Main Street, Marion, NC 28752, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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