Phyllis Sarabyn and Janet Ross, board members of 3 Mariposas Montessori Foundation (3MMF), have announced a fundraising event to raise scholarship money for children ages 2-6 attending 3 Mariposas Montessori School (3MM) in the Dominican Republic.

Over 70 percent of children attending 3MM live in poverty and attend school on scholarship. These disadvantaged children count a scholarship to 3MM as a huge advantage in life.

The fundraiser, “Christmas Art With a Heart,” will be an opportunity for guests to enjoy a relaxing evening with friends while creating (under the direction of a professional artist) an art piece worthy of being taken home and displayed. Light refreshments and beverages will be served, and there will be a drawing for door prizes donated by Dowagiac businesses.

Christmas Art With a Heart will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at the Wine and Canvas, located in Granger.

Wine and Canvas is donating a portion of the ticket sales back to 3 MM Foundation. Tickets are just $50 each.

“I attended a painting party for the first time last December with my daughters,” Ross said. “It was so much fun.  I am not at all talented as an artist, but surprisingly I ended up with a painting that I was proud to display at home!  You never know what’s possible.  If I can do it, anyone can.”

“Tickets make great gifts for family, friends, and colleagues,” Sarabyn said. “What better way to show someone you care than by enjoying an evening together?”

For information, or to purchase tickets, contact Ross at (269) 782-3601 or Sarabyn at (269) 591-9376. Space is limited,  so those interested are encouraged to register soon.