Well-known aviation artist Sam Lyons recently donated a Limited Edition Signed and
Numbered print to benefit the Ashley Willwerth Memorial Scholarship Foundation.
The print,"Yellow Lure," is for sale and on display in the terminal lobby of the
St. Augustine Airport.
Charlie Willwerth, president of the Ashley Foundation said, "100 percent of all
proceeds from the print go to the Ashley Foundation." According to Lyons' wife, Mindy,
"'Yellow Lure' was originally painted for Sam to keep for himself, not commissioned."
He painted himself in the picture as the fisherman in a blue shirt and their family cat, Bow, is
included in the print. Also, Lyons personalized the print for the Ashley Foundation; he
changed the name on a sign from Steve to Ashley. The Frame Shop framed the print for the Ashley Foundation,
adding value that Lyons already estimates is over $145. "Aviation enthusiasts through the area
would love to know it's there, and to see the art first hand," noted Willwerth.
Willwerth created the Ashley Foundation over two years ago after the tragic death of
his daughter Ashley Willwerth. Ashley, a 2004 graduate of St. Augustine
High School, lost her life on Oct. 8, 2004 in a fatal car accident when she tried to
cross U.S. 1 at Gun Club Road.
Willwerth says the foundation pays tribute to Ashley's dedication to the violin. She
played in the St. Augustine High School Orchestra, the St. Augustine
Community Orchestra, the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra, and with
the orchestra at the First Baptist
Church in Jacksonville.
The Ashley Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that provides financial
assistance to students and their teachers, to help with music related fees
such as, music camp tuition, instruments, supplies, published music, etc.
Willwerth says Ashley received a few scholarships to help her pay for tuition for
music camps and workshops. "Scholarships meant so much to Ashley when she
was alive, and we just wanted to continue it on," said Willwerth.
There are four board members who review scholarship applicants. "This is so that the
funds will go to legitimate and recognized programs that will enhance the
applicant's musical abilities," added Willwerth. Foundation board members
are Charlie and Laurie Willwerth, Carolyn Law and Betty Pipkins. "We were
really touched by his devotion and to keep his daughters spirit alive,"
added Lyons.
To learn how to contribute to the Ashley Willwerth Memorial Scholarship Foundation
or to apply for a scholarship, log on to www.ashleyfoundation.org . The
site includes details on Ashley's life and a photo gallery.
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