'Fun-raiser' to perpetuate art projects...to perpetuate a legacy

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - For the love of art is the underlying message of the fundraiser this Thursday night, when residents of the community will come together to show their support for projects initiated by the late Tony Motto. The man who conceived “The Way Home” project to honor our military service personnel, coupled with the Veterans Memorial Monument, who created the Sculpt-Tours tourist attraction, and who brought art to the masses with the annual Art Expo, will be remembered with what is being referred to as a ‘fun-raiser,’ hosted at Cilantros on Sawdust Road, May 21.

The intention is to raise funds to support the arts he loved so much, and help those who are in the best position to perpetuate the legacy he started. One of which is his wife, Jodi Motto.

“Tony put so much of himself into the arts, he would want me to continue with his work,” said Jodi. “If I didn’t, then all of it would have been in vain.”

Tony was a former art teacher for CISD, and was involved in anything and everything pertaining to art in the community. One project in particular, the Sculp-Tours, Jodi would like to reactivate. Previously Sara Bissig, the owner of the Go Green Eco Taxi business in The Woodlands, partnered with Tony in taking tours through the business district to see the many outdoor sculptures on display. The possibility of bicycles being rented for touring The Woodlands, may provide an additional concept for Sculp-Tours. Seed money is needed for this, and any other ventures to promote the arts.

The event will include refreshments, cash bar, both a silent and live auction with celebrity auctioneers, raffle items, and of course, camaraderie. Auction items include art, indulgences, small luxuries, and objets d’art.

“This is really about neighbors helping neighbors,” said Margie Taylor of Taylorized PR, and a friend of Jodi Motto. “This is a giving community. People come out for all of the fundraisers and the fun runs; no matter how many there are. Here’s an opportunity to help a friend and neighbor.”

Tickets for the event are $20 which includes two tickets for door prizes. Additional tickets are $5 each or five for $20. Although the deadline for auction donations was Friday. Items may be dropped off at Cilantros just prior to the event. A-Plus Caring, Community & Compassion, a 501(c)3 organization, will provide receipts for income tax purposes.

Others who have generously donated items, or in-kind services include A-Plus Realty, Art Expo, Rhonda Clifford (jewelry artist), Collage, FrameCraft/Lampros Gallery, Woodlands Kiwanis Club, and Taylorized PR.

Cilantros is located at 314 Sawdust Road, approximately .3 miles west of I-45N, in The Woodlands. The event will take place from 6 to 9:00 p.m. Happy hour prices for Margaritas and draft domestic beer will be honored throughout the event. It's not necessary to purchase tickets in advance, or RSVP. Just come and have fun. Casual attire. Cilantros said to tell Rocket fans that tonight's game will be on at the restaurant.

The public is cordially invited to attend for an evening of socializing, networking, and hopefully go away a winner. For those unable to attend, the unveiling and dedication of the Veterans Memorial Monument at Town Green Park in The Woodlands, in addition to “The Way Home” sculpture, will take place on Memorial Day, May 25, at 4:00 p.m., to honor all active-duty personnel and veterans of all military branches and campaigns, as a permanent way to honor those who have served. This project was especially dear to Tony Motto’s heart; he worked on the funding for it for almost a decade. A U.S. Navy veteran, in his honor, and rightly so, he is among those memorialized on the granite “Wall of Honor.”

See event invite on Facebook at For the Love of Art...Tony Motto Memorial 'Fun'-raiser for more information, sneak previews, etc.



See event in Woodlands Online Calendar at Tony Motto Memorial 'Fun'-raiser.

#SculpTours #TheWayHome