Smith & Wesson to host ‘Art for the Heart’ in support of veterans with PTSD

Nov. 6, 2015 |

SPRINGFIELD – Smith & Wesson Corp. has announced today that it will host the annual “Art for the Heart” event to support combat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Proceeds benefit art therapy programs at Ward 8 in Leeds that have provided veterans with comfort as they cope with their symptoms.

Anne Bruce, vice president of Human Resources at Smith & Wesson, said, “We invite the community to join in raising awareness and financial support for alternative therapy programs for veterans at this special art show and sale that helps give back to those have given our country so much. In addition to providing the important therapy that these heroes need and deserve, ‘Art for the Heart’ allows attendees to purchase very special holiday gifts that are entirely based on the art created by veterans in the program.”

Photography by veterans who have attended therapy has been used to create framed prints, greeting cards, calendars, ornaments, inspiration collages and more, all of which will be available for sale and will include gift-wrapping. The evening also includes live acoustic music with Aaron Fay and Pete Maserati of the band Maxxtone, sponsored by National Ambulance; hors d’oeuvres; and gift wrapping, sponsored by Griffin Staffing Network. Distinguished artist John Simpson will conduct a live-painting exhibition and the resulting one-of-a-kind painting will be given as a door prize at the event. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at www.smith-wesson.com.

In an effort to assist veterans in our community throughout the year Smith & Wesson works closely with Friends of Ward 8, a non-profit organization that supports the Veterans of Ward 8 at the VA Medical Center in Leeds. Ward 8 veterans suffer from Combat PTSD and benefit from a six week in-treatment program to learn how to better cope with their symptoms.

Share this: