I was REALLY EXCITED!! I had 16 LOVELY! items for the Krystal's benefit.
Sshh! ... I went to bed at 3am ... I was up my entire Friday evening and the unearthly hours of Saturday morning ... gently pressed Tracy's adorable 'Hearts Delight' doll quilt to take out a couple little creases it picked up from making the long trip across the Atlantic, Tracy's mother-in-law, Grethe's crocheted pot holders and cross-stitched set of towels came all ready for auction (beautifully bundled together with pretty ribbons & tag). I put Marie Smith's handmade natural skin care products into a pretty basket (I added a small bunch of pretty flowers), Tania Howell's lovely tote bag, cards, gift tags & magnets were put together as a delightful pack. Ok now, I am running out of adjectives to describe all the wonderful items I received. Jo's hand-embroidered set of boy's & girl's t-shirts, Valerie's baby wool jacket, trendy fabric retro apron and heavily beaded & embroidered evening dress, Teresa's tote handbags, Laney's rug hooks, Natalie's apron, Shelley's beaded bracelet, Beverly's handmade notecards & gift tags, Melissa's bracelet & earring set and of course my teacup pin cushion ... each and every item brought so much joy to my heart. I had them each cellophane wrapped, tagged and they ALL went to auction!
I have yet to receive Val's backpack and Clara's necklaces but plan to send them over to Krystal as soon as I get them.
It was a l-o-n-g drive to the Pasadena Convention Center where Krystal's benefit was held. The drive was made more challenging with lighted signs along the highway usually reserved for Amber Alerts flashing an ominous message "HURRICANE FORMING NEAR GULF. KEEP YOUR TANKS FULL!" Category 4 Hurricane Dean was forming near the Gulf. Mike, Pei, Bailey and I survived Hurricane Rita in 2005 without much incident but hurricane season has become stressful season for me!
Yes, that's Krystal, Alec and me! Krystal's pink t-shirt read "Check your front ..." and at the back of the t-shirt, it says "it may cover your back!" How true!
There was a good size crowd at Krystal's benefit. Good music, good BBQ and beer ... I couldn't describe the beer, Mike and I did ice tea! Raffle ticket jars were filling up and I believe cash donation boxes were also filling up (I couldn't see through the wooden boxes!) There were MANY! great items up for auction. When I last checked, some 50+ people have taken a bid number to participate in the auction. During the first half of the auction, much money was raised and everyone was having a fun time. Mike and I had to rush off ... I need to be home before dark at hurricane season!
Once again, I send out my heartfelt gratitude to all my friends in the crafty blog world. You have all touched me deeply with your kindness and generosity. You all deserve double credit for reaching out to help ... a stranger.