Volunteers work together to host a meaningful charity event in Livingston County
The silent art auction, is intended to benefit survivors of domestic violence
Photo courtesy of The Wadsworth Homestead/Facebook
Local artists and musicians are set to bring a meaningful and impactful event to Livingston County’s Wadsworth Homestead on May 14, 2026. The event will take place with support from dedicated volunteers and artists joining forces to raise awareness about the severity of domestic violence and its impacts, as documented by an informational post about the upcoming event via The Wadsworth Homestead on Facebook. The Lamron also had the opportunity to have a conversation with Barbi Sciarrino, a passionate volunteer working to make the event happen.
The event will feature a silent art auction to benefit Chances and Changes, Inc., “a domestic violence service provider serving Livingston County,” who “offer confidential, trauma-informed support to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence,” according to Heather Burgio, the executive director of Chances and Changes, via email conversation with The Lamron.
Volunteer and event organizer Barbi Sciarrino will be joined by three talented local artists: Jerry Alonzo, Christine Mead, and Gary Harris. The silent art auction is set to feature art from all three artists, as well as others, alongside live music from the Western New York-based band, Trilogy, and great food, as per the event’s Facebook post.
Ms. Sciarrino discussed the artists’ backgrounds with The Lamron, explaining Jerry Alonzo’s talent in woodworking arts and his former career in family law, which gave him real insights into how substantially domestic violence can impact the women who go through it. She also detailed Christine Mead’s extensive background in art, including her career as a professional artist, her expertise in pen and ink arts, and her current projects in neon art. Ms. Sciarrino also could not leave out Gary Harris’s recognition as a well-known watercolor artist. She detailed that all of these dedicated artists are “very excited to contribute” to the event.
Ultimately, Ms. Sciarrino described the upcoming event as “empowering,” explaining her pride to “not just sit back and witness, but to try and create a positive impact,” especially with cases of domestic violence becoming so prevalent in current headlines. She told The Lamron that the idea for this event “started from a seed,” but due to the volunteers’ and artists’ commitments, they were able to plan a creative way to start a discussion around an issue which is meaningful to them. Everyone involved in the event feels that, “as a group, and as a community, we can really make a difference,” according to Ms. Sciarrino’s explanation of the event’s importance to her.
Not only will this silent art auction provide a meaningful outcome to the volunteers, but it will also be a special milestone for Chances and Changes, Inc. During the email conversation between The Lamron and Heather Burgio, Ms. Burgio detailed several obstacles which Chances and Changes has recently overcome. She said, “After a temporary closure of our services late last year, we have successfully restored our 24/7 hotline, reopened our shelter as a safe dwelling, reestablished court advocacy services, and stabilized our housing programs.” Ms. Burgio added, “We are continuing to strengthen our team and expand services to better meet the needs of survivors in our community,” an effort which this event will help support.
Lastly, Ms. Sciarrino expressed her hope that this will become an annual event in Livingston County, empowering the community, helping women recognize the signs of domestic abuse—whether physical or emotional—and creating a space for people to come together for an important cause. Tickets can be purchased or online donations can be made through the event’s webpage.