Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Portraits of Hope?

Portraits of Hope is an art exhibit and silent auction, featuring the award-winning photography of David Sacks. This year the focus of the exhibit is on Zambia, home to one of the seven natural wonders of the world in Victoria Falls, and also to one of Covenant Mercies’ programs for orphaned children. All 50 pieces on exhibit are the work of David Sacks, from his trip to Livingstone and Ndola, Zambia, in June 2009.

2. When and where will the event be held?

Friday, May 21st, from 7:00-9:30 p.m. at Archmere Academy in Claymont, DE (click here for directions).

3. Is there an admission fee?

There is no cost for admission. However, guests are encouraged to come prepared to bid on the art, or to make a tax-deductible contribution to Covenant Mercies during the course of the evening.

4. Is it appropriate to bring small children to Portraits of Hope?

Portraits of Hope is designed with adults in mind. Due to space limitations as well as the nature of the event, we respectfully request that our guests obtain off-site childcare for young children.

5. What is the format of the event?

Guests will browse and bid on our limited edition, professionally framed prints while enjoying the beautiful ambiance of Archmere Academy’s historic mansion (early 20th century), complementary hors d’oeuvres, and live music. Winning bidders may pay by cash, check, or credit card and take their art home with them at the close of the auction. Each framed piece is also available as a smaller (approx. 8x10), unframed print on a first come, first served basis.

6. Will dinner be served?

There will be no sit-down meal. However, complementary hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be donated and served by the William Penn Inn.

7. Who is David Sacks?

David Sacks is a gifted photographer whose professional and artistic work is in high demand. Whether on location or in his Manhattan studio, David shoots for well-known magazines, graphic design firms and advertising agencies worldwide. He has worked in 32 countries and has won numerous international photography awards, including several awards for images from previous Portraits of Hope exhibits.

For more information about David's work, visit www.davidsacks.com.

8. I’ve heard that some of the bids go very high. Should I bother coming if I can’t afford to bid in the thousands?

The competition for each individual piece determines how high the bid will go, but there are always prints available in a variety of price ranges. At our most recent Portraits of Hope event in 2008, some framed prints went for as little as $375, while our top piece drew a winning bid of $10,000. Additionally, we make each print is available in and unframed 8x10 format for a flat rate of $150 (limited quantities available on a first-come, first-served basis).

9. Will my art purchases be tax-deductible?

Since each piece is being offered at a starting bid price that is far below fair market value, we cannot guarantee that any portion of an auction price will be tax-deductible. However, winning bidders will be provided with a receipt showing the price paid and the fair market value of the piece. If your winning bid exceeds the fair market value, you may be able to claim the difference as a tax deduction.

10. Tell me more about the organization that is benefiting from the event.

Covenant Mercies is a faith-based ministry of compassion, established to serve orphans in partnership with indigenous local churches in the developing world. Currently, Covenant Mercies is serving nearly 1,000 orphans in Uganda, Zambia, and Ethiopia. Please visit www.CovenantMercies.org for further information.

11. What if I have another question?

Please contact Kim Clark at kclark@covenantmercies.org or at 610-361-0606, x114, with any additional questions.