Polaroid Fun for a Good Cause | Robeson Elementary Center's FunFest

The beautiful, spring-like weather brought many happy FUN seekers out to Robeson Elementary Center's FunFest fundraiser event yesterday.  And what a FUN-filled day it was!  I got to see many friendly faces, some familiar and some new.  I had this idea to take polaroid photos of the kids while holding a chalkboard sign telling us what they want to be when they grow up.  This idea morphed from a classroom project idea that unfortunately didn't come to fruition.  But the seed had been planted!  I just had to give it a try one way or another!!  I ordered my vintage polaroid camera and film through The Impossible Project after a friend had mentioned where to find polaroids.  The film is a bit pricey, (okay, a lot pricey) so I had to charge at least $5 per photo.  Then I got the idea to include additional incentives to make purchasing a photo for $5 a bit more enticing.  How about enlisting my friends in small businesses to donate goodies to be raffled off?!!  Yay!  And that was the cherry on top!  My friends at Chelles' Fattoria, Tickled Pink Paper + Ink and Sugarbush Nursery came through for me!!  Special gratitude and deep appreciation to Rachelle, Teresa and Anne-Marie.  You girls are especially generous, and I am most grateful to you! :)  You've made me a forever client.  

I had some very creative, interesting kids come to my booth area (fuzzy hats, and all).  Another plus was that I was set up in the prizes room - Score! ;) Most everyone had to come walking through this area at one point and another.  I am happy to report that I raised $75 for Robeson Elementary Center's PTO!!    

The booth and backdrop set up...

I was all smiles as I got to make photos with some of the most colorful, caring folks within our school community… ;) 

By the time I was ready to begin packing up for the day, I noticed this sweet guy waiting patiently to see if he and his family had won any of the different prizes up for grabs.  I asked him if he'd like to be my designated helper and pull the names from the bag.  He said "Sure!"  So, we went down the list beginning with the $50 photo session credit and ending with the $25 fine art credit.  Each time he pulled a different name, we (including his stepdad) got excited to see if he had won.  Each time, he looked a little more disappointed, but he kept going and didn't get too disheartened.  Finally, we got to the last prize listed (the fine art credit) and guess whose name he pulled from the bag!  YES!  He pulled his mom's name!!!  :))) We couldn't believe it!  What were the chances!  It was a very happy, thrilling moment to see the look of surprise on his face!  

Here he is with his stepdad holding his prize proudly… 

Thanks again for all of your help 'R' and 'S'!!  :)  I hope you will enjoy your fine art created by yours truly.  I am honored.  

Thanks to Robeson Elementary Center's PTO and school community members for so much positive energy, generous purchases, and for all the terrific smiles you gave to me.

With love, laughter & light, 

and terrific gratitude, 

Barb