Wise, a national provider of business forms and labels to the resale trade, has announced the success of the first annual Thrive Community Art Auction, held May 30, 2025. The event celebrated the artistic contributions of adults with special needs, raising funds to provide scholarships for Thrive’s day programs.

Wise CEO Bill Prettyman and his wife, Joy, co-founded Thrive Community in 2021 to create a supportive, nurturing, and entrepreneurial environment for adults with special needs, known within Thrive as “Citizens.” 

“Eighty percent of adults with special needs struggle to find or keep a job,” said Joy Prettyman. “We founded Thrive to change that — to give them a community, a sense of belonging, and an opportunity to contribute.”

The auction featured original works designed by Thrive’s staff members and executed by Citizens, including the Prettymans’ own son, Jack. By breaking the creative process down into achievable steps, Thrive empowered each Citizen to participate meaningfully in the creation of gallery-worthy artwork.

“Not everyone can do everything, but most people can do something,” said Bill Prettyman. “That’s the belief we operate on, and it’s what made this event possible. Watching our Citizens create beautiful work and seeing that work appreciated and purchased by the community was deeply moving.”

Thanks to the success of this year’s auction, Thrive Community is making it possible for many more families to enroll their children in its program and is already planning next year’s auction. Currently, it is engaging guest artists to collaborate on designs for new pieces. 

“As a company, Wise believes in the power of leadership for good,” concludes Bill Prettyman. “This is one way we’re living that out—not just through our work, but through service to the community.”

To learn more about Thrive Community and how you can support its mission, visit https://www.thrivecommunity.net/