Shreveport artist Larry Riales’ original artwork and poster number one were presented at the Toledo Bend Lake Association’s Annual Poster Unveiling and Auction held Thursday evening, April 2, at Cypress Bend Resort. This event kicked off Toledo Bend Lake Association’s Bass Unlimited Fundraiser that will culminate with the Annual Banquet and Auction on Friday, April 17, at Cypress Bend Park Pavilion.
The crowd of supporters gathered and visited with friends in the Grand Ballroom, with Cypress Bend preparing a delicious variety of finger foods. TBLA Poster Co-Chair Carolyn Scheurich introduced this year’s poster sponsor Sabine River Authority of Louisiana (SRA LA), represented by SRA LA Executive Director Warren Founds and Operations Engineer Alan Fulton. Then Mr. Founds, Mr. Fulton, and Mr. Riales unveiled the original painting “Get the Net!” and the number one poster. Co-Chair Tommy Phillips presented Mr. Founds with the number two poster before Auctioneer Kevin McDonald took the floor to begin the live auction.
The original painting was the first item to be presented for auction, and Stacey Floyd of Jena, Louisiana, placed the highest bid. The successful bidder for the number one poster was Georgia Craven of Many, Louisana. Next, an original painting by former Poster Artist Eddie Pastureau, titled “Cruising the Swamp with Bandit” was bid on and won by Gary Moore of Many, Louisiana. Then, a canvas giclee’ by Wildlife Artist Don Edwards titled “New Home Mourning Dove” was auctioned and won by Larry Rice of Many, Louisiana. The last item up for auction was an original by Florien High School Talented Art Student Aubree Leach titled “Bayou Bass”, and Harlan Leach of Florien, Louisiana, was the successful bidder on that piece of art.
Mr. Riales was present to meet guests and personalize posters. The signed and numbered posters will continue to be available for purchase while supplies last at the Bass Unlimited Banquet on April 17, at Nichols store in Many, and on the TBLA website at www.toledobendlakeassociation. com.
Many volunteers, Sponsors, and Patrons worked together to make this evening happen. Silver Sponsor Cypress Bend Golf Resort, Spa & Conference Center; Bronze Sponsors include Town of Many, Mike and Anna Garcie Cash, Raymond James-Lake Charles, Blake Brignac, and Mitch Woods. Poster Patrons include Hall Adams - Edward Jones, Conrad and Judy Cathey, Reginal Green, Chuck Mains, Martin’s Real Estate, and Edith Palmer.
All of TBLA’s fundraising efforts are put to work supporting scholarships, grants, the Toledo Bend Lunker Bass Program, and other projects that benefit the Toledo Bend Lake communities in both Texas and Louisiana.