Manteca-Lathrop Boys & Girls Club member Mealiah Watson was challenged to use a real canvas to create a painting about something she loved.

The 11 year-old responded by creating a painting of the Boys & Girls logo  surrounded by the wording, “My Escape to a Positive Place.”

It is one of three club member pieces of art that will go to the highest bidder on the opening night of the 33rd annual telethon on Monday, Nov. 25, being carried live over Comcast Channel 97 from 5 to 9 p.m. The second telethon night is on Tuesday, Nov. 26, from 5 to 10:30 p.m.

And whatever the winning bid is, the club will receive half of the amount to help support programs for 1,500 youth while the artist will get the other half.

In addition a number of other pieces of art will be on display both nights in the gym portion of the club where live entertainment will take place for broadcast over Comcast Channel 97.

They will be available for a set price with the money being split between the young artist and the club.

Telethon organizers noted that some of the youths involved indicated they will use the money to buy school supplies, Christmas gifts for family members or donate it to help the less fortunate.

The telethon-auction has been the biggest source of funding for the club since it opened its doors 34 years ago.

The format involves a small army of nearly 300 volunteers making phone calls to collect pledges for the club. There is also live and silent auctions plus live entertainment.

You can view the telethon on Comcast Channel 97 or see it in person at the club where you can also bid on auction items. You can also bid on live auction items via the phone.

Volunteers are still needed to help man the phone banks. If you can help, call 239-KIDS.