Mother-Daughter Duo Throw Auction Benefiting Kids With Down Syndrome

SAN CLEMENTE, CA — Are you looking to get your hands on a one-of-a-kind work of art while simultaneously giving back to a good cause?

The artist behind GracePlace Art in San Clemente, Grace Reber, is throwing a virtual art auction this June, with 21 percent of proceeds going toward Gigi's Playhouse.

"My daughter, Grace, is a young lady with Down syndrome who loves to make art," Bonnie Reber told Patch. Reber said that she and Grace opened GracePlace Art in San Clemente to empower Grace and the Down syndrome community at large.

"It's been one heck of a ride so far," Reber said.

A portion of proceeds from the auction will go toward Gigi's Playhouse, a nonprofit group with a mission to "increase positive awareness of Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community," according to its website.

"We are so grateful that organizations like Gigi's Playhouse exist, especially because our Grace is about to graduate from her Adult Transitional Program and enter the next chapter of her life," Reber said. "So having continued education and supportive programs local to us is super important."

The virtual art auction will be held on GracePlace Art's website. Residents can peruse the auction gallery and place their bids starting June 4 through June 5.