Tipsy Artist Benefit Supports Family Affected by Wildfires
Art benefit supports family affected by wildfires
In effort to raise funds for a local wildfire victim, Campus Corner’s Othello’s Italian Restaurant hosted a painting and piano Tipsy Artist Class Monday.
The event was held for Norman local James Ray and his fiancé Dottie McLeroy, who recently lost their home and all their belongings to a devastating Oklahoma wildfire this past month. Ray also is handicapped and paralyzed from the chest down because of a serious motorcycle accident in 2011.
The wildfire destroyed all of Ray’s medical equipment, as well as the high school sweethearts’ cherished and beloved belongings.
At the Jubilee Tree Painting Night at Othello’s Italian Restaurant, a local community canvas and donation drive took place.
“We really like to do good things for the community because that is what is important”, Othello’s owner Jennifer Weiss said.
Tiffany Bohrer, a local art teacher, frequently teaches classes at Othello’s. For a donation, guests could paint with the Bohrer's instruction as they enjoyed live piano music and appetizers provided by the eatery.
Known as “the Tipsy Artist," Bohrer often teaches wine and paint parties around Oklahoma.
“This particular class touches a special place in my heart,” Bohrer said.
Bohrer explained that her father Chuck Preston — an OU alumnus — also is a quadriplegic like Ray.
Ray and McLeroy’s previous home belonged to Ray’s mother. The home was handicap accessible, which is something Ray is completely dependent on.
“We just don’t have anywhere for James to go,” explained McLeroy.
Ray, who currently is in the hospital recovering from surgery, will be in need of somewhere to live that will meet his needs as a quadriplegic once he is released from the hospital in a few weeks.
“We are excited to be a part of this event," McLeroy said. "Anything helps, of course,” McLeroy said.
Donations to the family of James Ray are also being accepted online at www.giveforward.com/jamesray
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