An east Auckland artist and her family hosted a fundraising event for a local hospice over the long weekend and raised more than $30,000.
The Blundell Family – including passionate multi-media artist Katie Blundell (Times, December 1) – held the Riverhaven Artland Sculpture Park fundraiser, located in Clevedon, for Franklin Hospice Charitable Trust on Auckland Anniversary Weekend for the third year running.
The event featured a tour through the park of more than 40 acres with a growing collection of permanent works by NZ sculptors, counting Katie.
Visitors enjoyed being outside and walking around the Sculpture Park.
Tickets were sold out for all the time slots with all the money raised from this going to Franklin Hospice. Katie Blundell Gallery + Studio hosted the ‘Small Works Sculpture Show’ with 25 per cent of all artwork sales going to the hospice.
Sixteen artworks sold from both the ‘Small Works’ collection and Katie’s own pieces.
Alison Daldy, fundraising manager for Franklin Hospice, says that around 700 tickets were sold.
“Spaces were limited to work within the red light framework,” Daldy says.
Almost $32000 was raised.
“Franklin Hospice is grateful and privileged to be associated with the Blundell family at Riverhaven,” Daldy says.
“There was an overwhelming response of gratitude and positivity as so many events had already been cancelled.”
The Hospice, she says, had to fundraise around 50 per cent of the running costs annually.
“This goes a long way,” Daldy says.
One visitor was delighted by the event. “It so wonderfully, safely and cheerfully administered by many of your friendly and efficient volunteers and supports and it is a great credit to you all,” the visitor says.
She says she “just loved the amazing beauty of the property”.
“It was a wonderful weekend,” Katie says. “We are grateful to all who visited and supported the event.”
