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ADOPT A GECKO! There are still several geckos needing homes. Click on to "Geckos/ Artists" to find the one you'd like to adopt! They are $500. each. Call ArtCenter Manatee at 746-2862 for more information.  The Bradenton GeckoFest first debuted in 2006 as a fundraiser for the Village of the Arts, creating an important bridge between the business and arts communities -- a brilliant pairing. Schools and social groups got involved, and funds were raised to augment the County’s shrinking art education budgets. City residents and tourists alike were treated to these family-friendly colorful six-foot geckos crawling up and down sides of buildings throughout Downtown Bradenton. Two years later, in 2008, with Geico Corporation as the Event Sponsor, the Geckofest was reborn. After being displayed throughout the City for six months, the 64 Geckos were auctioned off at a Gala to the highest bidders. Funds were raised for various County art organizations, including ArtCenter Manatee, South Florida Museum, the Arts Council of Manatee, Inc, and the Artists Guild of Manatee, Inc. (Village of the Arts). Nearly $13,000 of the raised funds were earmarked as grants for the public schools and seed money will be put aside for future art-on-the-street events. |
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Miki Boni, Chair GeckoFest 2008 |
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