Corona Chairs for Charity Auction partners local artists with Cottage Dreams Cancer Recovery Initiative

TORONTO, March 20 /CNW/ - Corona wants you to take a seat in the name of charity. The Corona Chairs for Charity Auction features traditional Muskoka chairs that have been transformed by six Canadian artists into Corona Chairs that will benefit the Cottage Dreams Cancer Recovery Initiative - a charity that provides time away at a donated cottage for cancer survivors and their families. Participating artists include: V. Tony Hauser, Charles Pachter, Rose Pearson, David Hickey, Marilyn Brooks and Noelia Marziali.

The auction officially opens and bidding begins on March 22, 2009. In the meantime, the unique chairs can be previewed at www.coronaextra.ca by clicking on the Corona Chairs for Charity section. The Corona chairs will be on display at the Spring Cottage Life Show at the International Centre in Mississauga from March 27-29, 2009. All proceeds from the auction will go to Cottage Dreams.

Cottage Dreams works with cottage owners who are willing to donate a week at their cottage to bring cancer survivors and their families together for an escape to reflect and celebrate on recovery in a positive and relaxing setting. Since September 2003, Cottage Dreams has grown to include hundreds of donated cottages from across Ontario and has offered cottages to more than 500 families.

"We are honoured that six of Ontario's most accomplished artists have dedicated their time and talent in support of Cottage Dreams," said Seana O'Neill, founder and president, Cottage Dreams Cancer Recovery Initiative. "With support from Corona, we hope that the monies raised will help us reach our goal to give more than 200 Ontario families that have been affected by cancer a cottage getaway."

The participating artists in the Corona Chairs for Charity Auction that have each offered their unique take on the quintessential Muskoka chair are:

• V. Tony Hauser - Canadian photographer, renowned for portrait work. His work has been exhibited internationally and he is represented by the John Stevenson Gallery in New York.

• Charles Pachter - Over the past four decades, Charles has renovated 24 buildings in Toronto. In 1994, he transformed an abandoned warehouse into Pachter Hall & Moose Factory, a live-work painting studio and gallery where he creates his work.

• Rose Pearson - York University Fine Arts alumnae, Rose now resides in Haliburton where she paints and teaches privately out of her studio. Her work can be found in private collections across Canada.

• David Hickey - A full-time painter and metal sculptor living in Lakefield, Ontario, David's work is seen throughout Ontario.

• Marilyn Brooks - One of Canada's most renowned fashion designers and media personalities, Marilyn is a one-person fashion industrialist, designer, manufacturer and retailer.

• Noelia Marziali - Born in Uruguay and raised in the GTA, Noelia attended the Academy of Art College in San Francisco and the Ontario College of Art and Design.

Available in Canada since 1986, Corona Extra has experienced 23 years of consecutive growth. Packaged in one of the most recognizable bottles in the world, Corona Extra is enjoyed by men and women alike. Its smooth taste offers the perfect balance between heavy European beers and light beers. From enjoying it over a conversation with friends to toasting one of life's many milestones, Corona Extra is the right beer for a wide range of occasions. Corona Extra is available in over 150 countries and is Canada's best-selling imported beer.