Auction of 50 poems, 50 paintings, for children with Down syndrome

Rahmi Çöğendez, who has conducted important auctions for years, and poet Recep Özkan, who also volunteers for the National Down Syndrome Association, came together with 50 leading contemporary Turkish painters for a charity event to benefit those with Down syndrome.

A total of 50 paintings prepared for 50 poems written by Özkan, who works as a costumer representative at a bank, will be up for sale at an auction and all the revenue will be donated to the Down Syndrome Association. Among the artists whose works will be featured at the auction are Ertuğrul Ateş, Ahmet Yeşil, Süleyman Saim Tekcan, Yiğit Yazıcı, Aydın Baykara and Şeli Abut Benhabib.

Özkan initiated the charity event after being inspired by his mother who conducted social projects throughout her life. The poet has since dedicated his life to benefaction, and started a movement in order to use his poems for the needs of babies born with Down syndrome. The auction was called "Eser" (Work), and the theme was "50 poems, 50 artists." It was a unity and charity movement that reflects its origin story. The last part of this movement will be the buyers of these works. Children with Down syndrome are excited for the auction where everyone who wants to give a different present in the name of love on Valentine's Day is invited. All the revenue of the works sold at the auction will be spent on the education and health needs for babies born with Down syndrome as part of the "Say Hello to Life" project. All the works included in the auction will be exhibited at Park Dedeman Gallery by RC as of Feb. 11.