What I Learned from a Great Fundraising Event

Our community has fundraisers often to raise money for great causes and today I gained much inspiration from a wonderful fundraiser for a great cause. A designer showcase fundraising event opened this week in our town. I wanted to share because it was the BEST collaboration between community groups to raise funds for a great cause: the Merryman House Women’s Domestic Crisis Center.

If you need a fundraising idea for your community, this is one to duplicate.

They had me at Designer Showcase.

I mean to gain inspiration from designers…YES, please!

But, you know I am all about anything that has the word “garden” in it OR Home…Right?

A local designer had purchased the house and was in the process of giving it a makeover before putting it back on the market.

Local designers chose rooms and showcased their unique styles to inspire us.

Bill Ford’s drawing of the Designer Showcase House was beautiful.

On the outside of the house, it was apparent that new sod had been laid, a new porch was in progress and there were even designer touches in the shiny black rock that surrounded the planting of a new tree.

I’m sure that the plan for this event was to have the house fully completed before this event…but, often with well laid plans compounded with supply issues and building delays…the “show had to go on”!

We were NOT disappointed! And, if you are in the Paducah area, this event continues through July 20th, so don’t miss out!

In addition to all of the designers who gave their time to create the most beautiful and inviting rooms were two other community groups.

The El Arbol Garden Club hosted the event–took tickets, collected money for the art being sold and answered questions during the tour. Perhaps that’s why there were the most beautiful fresh flowers adorning every room. Hospitality exuded from their presence.

A collaborative group of artists- Paducah Creative & Cultural Council- showcased and sold their art pieces throughout the home and gave back a donation from sales to the women’s center, as well.

If you’d love to know about this great group of artists, they may be found here.

What a great fundraising idea!

How amazing to see all of the art showcased throughout the house.

The bedrooms were each perfectly appointed.

The home that was “hosting” the fundraising showcase is still in process of renovation; so, in the midst of a beautiful master bedroom was the entrance to what was proving to be a “work of art” master bath in itself. The house became not only a showcase, but a work of art in progress as I made my way through the home.

Stunning inspiration

Right in the middle of a work in progress were vignettes of beauty.

Whether artwork on the wall, fresh flowers on tables, or beautiful accessories, I was inspired.

Even a casual toss of a hat on a bench gave you the feeling that this was truly someone’s home. So warm and welcoming!

Such great inspiration that this home gave me.

I truly felt fortunate.

Fortunate that I was in town during the showcase and chose to join in on the tours and fundraising.

Grateful that the camaraderie of so many who prepared and visited provided so much pleasure for this fundraising idea to be such a success.

Thankful that so many people came together to create a beautiful home that was in itself a viewing comparable to an art museum.

I was amazed by the feeling that this home appeared to welcome and embrace the family members who would enter.

The kitchen did not disappoint.

Perhaps it was the place setting awaiting my arrival?

Seriously, this stove and hood took my breath away.

Isn’t it gorgeous?

Careful attention to detail was not lost.

A sense of warmth and comfort exuded from every room.

The Perfect Nursery

This was the sweetest nursery where every item was thoughtfully and purposefully selected and placed.

I can imagine the memories that rocking and playing with a little one in this room would create.

A Beautiful Little Girl’s Room

Isn’t this adorable?

I loved every detail…from the crewel on the footstool, the texture of the pillows and draperies, and that dollhouse in the adjoining playroom.

Oh, my!

Outdoor Inspiration

Even the back yard inspired me.

From the deck to the Adirondack rockers, the garden gate, and the flowers, I could have stayed and lingered much longer.

Isn’t that what all of us want our homes to give to our guests? That feeling of wanting to linger just a little longer…

Full boxwoods in planters flanked the garage and porch. The scale of the tall square planters showcased the boxwoods’ size even more.

Lovely.

Be still my heart! What a beautiful gate and fence…

So, what did I learn from this Designer Showcase fundraiser?

1. Fresh flowers in every room speak hospitality and welcome to all who enter.
2. Books can be the perfect accessory in every room- whether stacked, wrapped or grouped.
3. The perfect piece of art takes a room to stunning.
4. Gathering the right people together for a common cause is a great thing.
5. Inspiration gained for my own home while helping a great fundraising cause was just what I needed.

I was reminded that your home needs to reflect you and the things that you love. It needn’t be overly “polished”–but, comfortable and so inviting that it makes others want to stay awhile with feet under your table.

It simply made me love the things that make my home inviting. The visit gave me inspiration to pick those flowers from my garden and add touches to rooms throughout my home…to take a closer look at things that I love and perhaps move out the things that don’t bring me joy…and then, less clutter adds to a soothing atmosphere of peace and rest.

I wonder what you will gain if you visit?

Thanks for joining me on this fundraising tour!

If you need to follow me for more adventures I have shared, here you go!

• Dollywood’s Food and Flower Festival
• The Traveling Teacup Tours Paducah
• There’s No Place Like Home
• Gibbs Botanical Garden
• A Beach to the Rescue
• Beautiful Quilt Show

Happy Saturday, friend!