So 3 months ago, I wrote here on my blog, that I had finally decided that yes, Veronika did need a hydrotherapy spa for home to help give her the best chance at getting up on her feet to walk. I had been to get a quote for a possible hydro spa and it was $5,500, then I would need to fence it in. So I thought “I will give myself 6 months to raise $6,500”. Maybe deep down I thought it would be possible…..but seriously 6 months for 6 grand! That’s what I call a goal…..

The following morning I had a call from Sallyanne. Sally had told her girls about what I wanted to do for Veronika. Jules and Sissy had decided that morning they would ask their teacher if they could do a free dress day and BBQ or similar as a fundraiser for Veronika. They then asked Bob(the Amazing Ashton) if he would do a magic show for a gold coin donation. He agreed and then it snowballed into Veronika Will Walk, with the main fundraiser Veronika Will Walk Gala day. Including 2 shows, a 1pm children’s show, and 7pm adult show and auction. Which was planned for yesterday. I dared to dream even further and got a quote for the next size hydrotherapy spa, which would mean the goal would be $12,000……

In the 3 months in between,

* we had a couple of fundraising BBQ’s at K&D, total $870.70

* sold malteaster chocolate’s $120

* Liz from Medical Imaging ran an Easter Raffle, $1308

* Goodwood high school had a fundraiser, $149.95

* Entertainment book sales, $825

* St Cuthbert’s Cup Cake day for Veronika, + donation $1029.95

* I was also given a lot of donations from people who couldn’t attend VWW, but wanted to help We also pre sold tickets to VWW events, but I have included these amounts in the actual show takings

At the 1pm show we raised $2079.20 This came from ticket sales(pre purchased and at the door), Raffle tickets and donations received at the show.

The 7pm show and auction raised $7010.25. This was broken down into…..

* Ticket sales at the door/pre purchased, + donations at the door $2370

* Auction hosted by Tori $2990

* Silent auction $1376

* Donations $274.25

So on the 28th May, Veronika Will Walk Gala Days the fundraising effort was $9089.45

We also received a very generous donation, from someone who wanted to give us the opportunity to roof over where the hydrotherapy spa will go, and depending on the rest of the fundraising efforts maybe enclose or partly enclose the around the area, especially as a wind break, to make it more user friendly year round. This donation was $10,000 which I can say easily brought Sally and myself to tears, and Bob, well he was speechless there for a moment……

So the tally as it stands at the moment is……. $23,987.46

On top of that there are still some payments to go thru for some of the auction items which will add just over $1350 more to the tally.

I am still teary when I think about what has been achieved in such a short amount of time. I seriously thought $6,500 in 6 months was a huge goal, but to get to $23,987.46 + in just over 3 months…..well that’s just CRAZY….

I have so many people to Thank……Sally, Jules and Sissy, and Bob. None of this would of been possible if you didn’t dare to dream….Youth Arc for donating the venue, and Joel for giving up his day to look after the Tech side of things(and move furniture).

Michelle Pears, from Makebelieve Entertainment and her Funbugs, What fun, I have never seen so many antennas in one place!. Louise from Colour Me Dizzy, she didn’t leave to every child that wanted their face painted, had been painted. Batman. Tansy, the clown Juggled and Juggled, and The Amazing Ashton….well you are amazing and that Birthday cake for Miss V……

From the 7pm show i need to thank….

* Tori Hodgman, what an amazing person. You did a great job with MC the evening and running the Auction at a minutes notice.

* Joel for his music as people were arriving

* The singers David Boon, Fiona Hutchison and Mia Palencia (she should of brought more of her CD’s to sell, she sold out to quickly), Radio Silence, and the “busker Dudes” Joel got to come along

* Comedians Mick Lowenstein, Tim Logan and Tracy Cosgrove.

* The gorgeous burlesque girls, Miss Kittys Meow, Scarlett Jezabel, Lady Lola, and Lucy Sky Diamond.

* Bob for scheduling both shows and keeping them on track All the performers donated their time to come and support Veronika. How amazing is that.

Then there were all the behind the scene people, Auntie Mary for the decorations for the kids show…..The happy smiling faces…..Rob, Carolyn, Tansy and Dale for helping lug everything from the car park to Youth Arc, and their efforts to ensure the performers and other volunteers were looked after. My Dad, Lester for being the minister for finance and looking after door sales. My Mum, Anne for helping serve the food. Taylor for our RSA gal, and making sure everyone was refreshed. Ryan the door police, kept and eye on the door….

And how could I not mention our BrightStars…..our dance group we started late last year for people with Down Syndrome. I think our 1st public performance was a success opening the 1pm show…..it brings a tear to my eyes just thinking about how far we have come in just a few short months…..

Dani from DreamandJustBelieve for documenting me conquering my fear, can’t wait to see the pics. And Kate Burton photography for taking phots too, I can’t wait to see them as well.

And Sally again I need to thank her for carrying around Veronika. She did get used to the red wig eventually! We made Southern Cross News last night and the Sunday Tasmania today…..

So tomorrow I am looking forward to ordering Veronika’s Hydrotherapy Spa…….

On another personal note, it was a bitter sweet day, Karina should of been there with us celebrating at the VWW Gala’s. Karina passed away suddenly and unexpectly in April. Karina was passionate about helping Veronika to walk……one of my best memories of the day was when Amber’s ticket was drawn as a lucky door prize winner(Amber is Karina’s 1 year old)…..