Tuesday 9 September 2008

Household names in the entertainment industry, Tottie Goldsmith and Dylan Lewis, have worn their hearts on their canvas, so to speak, for the sake of those in need and assisted by the Vinnies’ Soup Vans.

The brainchild of creative brand agency Storm Design and Brand DNA, Art with Heart is an annual art exhibition which raises money for charity.

Over the past seven years this project has raised over $70,000.

"This year, we are thrilled that the St Vincent de Paul Society has been selected as the beneficiary," stated Carol Taylor, the Society's General Manager Fundraising, Marketing and Development.

"We’ve seen an increased need for our services and are very grateful to be receiving this support."

The St Vincent de Paul Society Soup Vans feed and provide friendship and referral services to approximately 500 people a night on Melbourne’s streets. 

After battling with the “over-achievers” illness – Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – and needing to find wellness and balance in her own life, Tottie Goldsmith is passionate about helping others.

Dylan Lewis’ infectious personality helped to raise $755,000 for charity in the celebrity version of Big Brother some years ago, when rather than 'winning' the show, Lewis states he merely "did not get evicted".

Ms Goldsmith and Mr Lewis’ artworks, along with those of other local artists and celebrities, were created and provided at no charge to the Art for Heart project, and will be auctioned at an invitation-only exhibition on Wednesday 10 September.