It might have been the lure of another Pro Hart; it might have been the sunshine; it might have been the promise of hundreds of pieces of precious bling at rock bottom prices.
Whatever the combination, the Karuna Pre-Loved Art and Jewellery Market 2008 was an outstanding success. Appetites were whetted by snippets in the local newspapers and magazines, radio announcements and a wonderful piece on Brisbane Extra.
After months of watching the donations roll in and being in awe of the generosity of the community and local businesses, after weeks of logistics, building muscles and worrying we’d forgotten something, after scanning the horizon for dreaded storm clouds, the day finally dawned.
Actually, some of us were up before dawn, but it was with a bleary-eyed smile and the help of an eager band of staff and volunteers that we had the art hung and the bling shining by the time the gates opened at 8am.
The first line of shoppers got the best of the bargains as they walked through hundreds of original paintings, prints, frames and posters. Some headed straight for the jewellery, beads and watches where many a bargain was collected before morning tea.
The Rotary boys had sausages on the go before we knew it; raffle rickets were sold and silent auction bids were rising before our eyes. Right through until 1pm our vollies and staff toiled and smiled, laughing with the customers, negotiating sales and bagging a few of their own as they took well earned rest breaks.
I wish I could name each and every person and local business who helped us out, but I would need more than our small newsletter to fit you all in. Please know that we carry you in our hearts and minds every day. Karuna relies on you and your generosity and good will each and every year, and you never, ever let us down.
Thank you, and thank you to everyone who came along to help us celebrate the day. It raised much needed funds to help Karuna care for the people of Brisbane. And we had some great fun along the way!
