The fifth annual Peace Kids to the Rescue art show and silent auction will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m., September 1, 2023, at the Millersville University Ware Center, in downtown Lancaster City. The event will feature approximately 45 pieces of art donated by children 5 to 18 years old, and all proceeds from the silent auction will be donated to Church World Services and the Lancaster County Homeless Coalition.

The yearly show has raised $16,000 for these two organizations to date. A stretched canvas piece donated by local artist Susan Gottlieb will be auctioned, and note card sets and select prints will also be available for sale. Wegman’s, Prince Street Cafe and Sugar Whipped are providing food for guests.

The purpose of the show is to empower young artists and enjoy an evening of inspiration, fun and community building. In 2018, 6-year-old Lucas Kreider told his mom Sophia that he wanted to create an art show to help those that are less fortunate. He presented the idea to Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace and was able to secure gallery space at the Lancaster County Visitor Center. The first show featured art from more than 50 children and raised $2,400.

This is an opportunity to empower youth that through creativity and compassion, they can help those in need. The event also brings together our diverse community to care for and uplift one another. Church World Services is using the money to help fund the Girls Who Code program, equipping young refugee and immigrant women between 11 and 21 with opportunities to improve digital literacy and explore careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

The Lancaster County Homeless Coalition is a new advocacy group that empowers and supports people that are currently or recently unsheltered. A “Peace Kids” corner in a city hub will provide space for kids to express themselves creatively through art, music, theater and more.