Wrestlemania Kick-Off Auctions Art for Children's Healthcare

Wrestlemania Art took place in the Egyptian Ballroom Wednesday March 30, as the kick-off event to Wrestlemania and a fundraiser for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Nearly 350 guests came from around the world to support WWE Superstars, Legends and Divas and bid on their personal works of art. The event was held in collaboration with the Atlanta Sports Council, presented by Alfac and Curing Kids Cancer. All proceeds benefited the Aflac Children’s Cancer Center of Children's.

This was the fourth annual Wrestlemania Art auction that commences Wrestlemania week, the world’s second largest sporting event after the Superbowl. This year’s turnout nearly doubled last year’s in Phoenix, Arizona. Previous Wrestlemania Art auctions have raised funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Houston Public Library Foundation and United Arts of Central Florida.

The evening began with red carpet arrivals of WWE Superstars, Legends and Divas, announced by Matt Striker, WWE commentator and former wrestler. The stars emerged from limos on Peachtree Street to give interviews to news crews and autographs to adoring fans.

Shelton Stevens of Children's called the Wrestlemania Art event “dazzling.” He said, “[The artists] are true showmen … for us to be a part of it is just a ton of fun.”

WWE Superstars, Legends and Divas contributed their personal works of art to the auction tables. Renee Fraley of Children's said the WWE discovered that these Superstars, Legends and Divas have other talents. Art pieces ranged from photography portraits to art using Skittles. Every piece sold.

Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler created a piece live at the auction, as he has done in years past. This year, WWE Friday Night SmackDown commentator Booker T also drew a picture live at the auction.

“There are a lot of talented artists [in the WWE],” Lawler said. “You have to be pretty creative to come up with personas and costumes.”

Lawler, owner of an original Normal Rockwell piece, understands that people are willing to pay more for a piece of art if it's to support the artist. “The only price you can put on art is what it’s worth to the beholder,” Lawler said. He calls his Rockwell priceless.

Rozlin Saunders flew to Atlanta from Hawaii for Wrestlemania. She said she was planning to bid only on Lawler’s current work of art, a cartoon color drawing of The Undertaker (Mark William Calaway). "The Undertaker, he’s an icon," Saunders said. 

Fraley reported that people came from Australia, Ireland, Puerto Rico, Canada and other international sites to attend the event. Fans from London said they flew in just hours before Wrestlemania Art. Locals attended the event as well. Lynne Charrington came from Marietta with her 9-year-old son who is a devout WWE fan. Charrington said she also loves attending any event that supports Children’s.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed spoke at the auction. He said, “It’s not just about wonderful wrestling, it’s about helping the kids in the city of Atlanta.”

Grainne Owen founded Curing Kids Cancer with her husband after they lost a child to cancer. She said to the crowd, “I want you take away from tonight that ours is a story of hope … We are here to make a difference.”

Lawler said people care about children’s healthcare. “I’m sure [the Mayor] is not going to see a piece of artwork by Jerry “The King” Lawler,” Lawler said before the event. “He’s gonna be there because he’s showing support for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.”

The Superstars, Divas and Legends left the stage to mingle with guests during the silent auction. The ballroom was buzzing with positive energy from both performers and fans. Alicia Fox bantered with fans from Scotland and Wales, placing bets on who would hold future wrestling victories. “You can pay me in pounds or American dollars,” she said.

Stevens said donating to local charities through Wrestlemania is just one way the WWE helps the community. “They really are good people at heart," he said.