Beneficiary Applications Now Available for Best in Show

Hudson, NY – The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and Columbia County Council on the Arts has announced that applications to become a beneficiary from the Best in Show Dog Gone! Gala Benefit Auction are now available. Click here for an application.

Applications must be received by September 19 at 5:00 pm to be considered. To submit an application for the grant the non-profit must be a legally established Columbia County organization whose assets do not benefit private individuals. The following are examples of organizations that may apply for the grant: Any museum and history-related projects, must have a strong artistic component; Animal rescue and/or support organizations; and School-affiliated organizations and/or youth services associations, if they have their own non-profit status and provide services to the community unrelated to school operations.

Auction proceeds are intended primarily to support the arts, youth services and animal rescue support resources. A diverse panel of CCCA and Chamber members, sponsoring businesses, Columbia County Tourism, and City of Hudson officials will review the applications. Applicants will be notified following the Auction of the grant amount to be awarded.

Sponsored by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the Columbia County Council on the Arts, Best in Show 2008 features over 60 artist decorated fiberglass dogs displayed on steel pedestals throughout the Hudson Business District. The exhibition opened July 4th weekend and runs until October 8th, 2008.

The painted dogs, seated and standing, are 25 inches tall and highlight the work of local artists. Each canine displays a unique, inventive personality bestowed upon them by the artist and are sure to delight dog enthusiasts of all ages! All dogs carry plaques and are identified by name, the name of the artist and local business sponsor. Visit www.hudsonbestinshow.com for more information.

The exhibition closes October 8 th in preparation for the Dog Gone! Gala Benefit Auction on Sunday, October 12 th . The colorful canines go to the highest bidders at the Gala Auction Brunch. The brunch will be held at the new Helsinki on the Hudson located on Columbia Street in Hudson . Attendees will get a sneak peek at this outstanding facility. The brunch starts at noon with the auction starting promptly at 1:00 pm. Proceeds from the auction will benefit local charities. Tickets are $30 for the brunch and reservations can be made by contacting the Chamber or Arts Council. Seating is limited, so reservations will be required.

For more information about the Best in Show Public Art Project contact the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce at 828-4417 or www.columbiachamber-ny.com or the Columbia County Council on the Arts Council at 671-6213 or www.artscolumbia.org.