At the time Rauscher was a fundraiser at The Foundation for children with AIDS and held many silent auction to benefit the cause. The idea of an art auction came to her while having dinner with friend Kacy Hughes. The two began throwing around ideas with their friends Colleen Cavanaugh and John Shore. Friend and local artist Kevin Banks instantly came up with the easel logo. Rauscher sat down that night at her desk and drafted an auction letter to send out to artist friends. Thankfully all solicitations were met with great enthusiasm. That week began to promote the 1st annual Art of July, which would take place only a mere four weeks later! The event was a success and guests went home with some wonderful treasures for a wonderful cause.

The event has grown and grown over the years and has raised tens of thousands of dollars for charities in need. It has been held in locations such as the Landsowne Street play House, William Scott Gallery, Marriott Hotel, Omni Parker and the Loring Greenough House.

Past Recipients of Art of July:

• The Foundation for Children with AIDS
• Teen Voices
• Project STAR, Dimock Community Health Center
• Casa Myrna Vazquez
• Casting for Recovery
• The Children's Trust Fund
• Medford Family Network
• Rogerson Communities
• JP Centre/South Main Streets

Three years ago the committee decided to move the annual event held in July to the spring in order to maximize our fundraising potential as well as capture an art buying crowd before summer beckons them away.