It was a family affair at the 20th anniversary dinner of the San Miguel Program as Father Mark Connell, school founder and Impact Award recipient, was celebrated at the Westchester Country Club on Nov. 1. The educational services program for low-opportunity youth, supported solely by private donations, was surprised and honored when “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” was donated for the event’s live auction by New York pop-expressionist Lynn Mara in honor of the 20th anniversary. Led by Philip Orlando who served as auctioneer, the competition was fast and furious as the artist’s sister-in-law, Sheila Mara, outbid the crowd with a whopping $14,000. Sheila Mara then presented the painting as a gift for San Miguel Academy in Newburgh, New York, the middle school for the San Miguel Program. San Miguel Rowing competes on a national level and every student at the academy participates in the rowing activities.
“The painting was inspired by the students whose achievements “defy the odds” every day,” said Lynn Mara. “They literally and figuratively work against the current, leading to successes that should inspire everyone.”
Over $900,000 was raised with 425 guests in attendance at the annual dinner.
Lynn Mara’s work has been exhibited far and wide and 2017, she was the winner of the Hampton Classic Poster Design and the Hampton Jitneys 40th Anniversary Design a Bus Contest. Her colorful work brings life to restaurants like Rafele and Gordito, both in Rye, New York; Bianca of Greenwich, Connecticut; and Three Village Inn in Stonybrook, New York.
