Bush Fire Fundraiser

Last Updated on Tuesday, 15 December 2009 01:02 Written by Ju Thursday, 16 April 2009 01:48

The Victorian bushfires really got to me. I couldn’t watch any news article without crying my eyes out. My husband had been with the CFS for around 13 years and I had witnessed him come home from devastating jobs and see the effect that it had on him. So when I heard and saw these sad events unfold, like countless Australians, I needed to do something! I ended up with a major bee in my bonnett and began sorting through clothing, toys etc. (I think my little ones were a tad worried and sometimes as fast as toys went in the donation bag, they came out! Lol! They were so good about it when I tried my best to explain why mummy was going nuts )

Barossa girls doing craft as only Barossians can

I also have some beautiful friends who have been in the CFS themselves as well as them now being married to CFS volunteers. We got to talking about this major and sad chain of events that had and still were taking place. I still shake my head at how that one conversation turned into a group of girls working together to hold the “Magical Stampers Bushfire Fundraiser”. We were honoured that the Australian Red Cross allowed us to do this with their blessing. I had never done anything like this before in my life but oh my goodness it was such a buzz!!

While Kim held the evening together with her smooth MC skills, Kelly, Maria & myself demonstrated the same card to 5 different groups throughout the evening. Guests then had the chance for a major creative soaking session when they landed at table 4! Jules (my amazing friend and simply gorgeous Stampin’ upline) demonstrated 5 more indepth techniques which included different styles of embossing as well as Faux Silk and Black Magic (chalkboard technique).

Then if that wasn’t enough, we made sure that brains were overflowing with ideas by having sample boards showing the teams various work that guests were encouraged to grab inspiration from and take photos of.

Of course no crafter can go that long without sustenance! *wink*

"Cake!" by Liz Harris created these heavenly morsels

Armed with their tea, coffee & heavenly morsels, the guests also had the opportunity to take part in many raffles and silent auctions (over $1000 worth of products were raffled and auctioned off). Stampin’ Up! were absolutely amazing in supplying us with so much retired product to raffle and auction off so as a team we decided to also donate some items. On top of that we decided to purchase and donate all of the product necessary for the guests to create all their projects for the night.

I absolutely love what we as the “Magical Stampers Team” were able to achieve together! We are all wives and mothers so it was great to have those purely creative moments where we simply understood each other! (not to mention the coffee, wine and biscuits! Hehehe)

On a personal level, Stampin’ Up! has introduced me to 4 amazing women!!

My long time and gorgeous friend Jules!

Beautiful Kelly (punches queen on the night)

Gorgeous Kim....who was soooo happy I took this photo *hehe*

'Bling Bling' Maria!

Some have that extra creative flair, while some naturally shine in organizing. Others just laugh and seem to talk a mile a minute (scarily though everyone always understood!) and then there are those that know how to calm us all down and keep us level!

Through this, friendships that already existed have been strengthened and new friendships created. I absolutely love these girls and have no issues with snorting from raucous laughter infront of them!

A perfect mix of magic

But I haven’t forgotten the most important aspect of this whole experience…..and that is the endless love, encouragement and rock that is my own little family. Mummy would be dashing in and out, wifey would be kissing husband on the fly…..even if they don’t understand how I could possibly get so excited over rubber stuck to a wooden block, I love that they have let me! (Happy wife, happy life?? Hahahahaha!)

Us girls were amazed and touched by the fact that a total of $1616.40 was raised for the “Magical Stampers Bushfire Fundraiser”!! Thank you to EVERYONE who came along for such a great cause!

Before I sign off here, I’d love to thank the following local businesses who supported and donated to make our night possible:

Ahern’s Tours and Charters, Adelaide Heating and Cooling, Lyndi’s Dine In/Take Away Deli, Lyndoch, “Cake!” by Liz Harris, The Corner Bakery, Williamstown & Langmeil Winery, Tanunda. Also to the Williamstown Hall committee for letting us use their hall for free on the night.

Oh and on another personal note, to my gorgeous husband who allowed me to print up a storm!!! So to Fluid Vision Productions, thank you!! Hehe

Here’s a few more pics from “The Magical Stampers” Bushfire Fundraiser……

Gallery Created By Fluid Vision