Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post, all opinions expressed are my own.
If you read my review of Art Adventure (here’s your chance) then you know what a wondrous, magical place it is. A free safe environment for kids to explore their creativity in a myriad of ways that I wouldn’t allow in my home simply because I can’t fathom having to clean up after it. When I heard that they had donated a party to Gabi for her “No More Chemo” party (Affectionately renamed a “Yay Gabi” party) I was over the moon. What could be better???
The answer is simple, if several other super talented and awesome people donated their talents as well.
When I walked into Art Adventure on June 7 I was literally speechless Setup was already underway, and right from the start I was amazed. I like balloons as much as the next person, but have often thought of their uses as limited…. Not anymore. Confetti Party Decorating outdid themselves, at the entrance were two balloon towers with princesses on the top. “Gabi Rocks” was spelled down the sides. On top of a nearby bookcase were a balloon Cinderella (yes completely made from twisting balloons), and a little wand with a heart at the top for Gabi to carry around. Scattered around the venue were each of the other Disney Princesses atop their own little balloon stack. Oh how I wished it was my party! After meeting and speaking to Laurie, I no longer think that balloons are boring or limited in any way. I love what she does with these balloons she is truly an artist.
The Cinderella Baloon Laurie Twisted for Gabi.
Gabi receives the Balloon Wand.
As set up continues, people keep stopping in to drop off their contributions. Delicious chocolate chip cookies from Colleen Kirby of My Sweet Thyme www.mysweetthyme.com were the next item to arrive. They were so good (not too soft, not too hard, with loads of chips in them), it was really difficult to keep the kiddies (and adults) away!
Then came Gilda Burke from Jolirose and her magnificent cake. Given a few ideas (literally, princess and Dora) she was able to create a masterpiece so beautiful that we had to force Eric to cut it, no one wanted to ruin its perfection. The kicker? It was so mouthwatering too, even the fondant which traditionally tastes like plain play dough or nothing at all. I ate my fondant too!
The unbelievable fairytale “Dora” cake.
The generosity of those involved has left me in shock. I am so happy and proud to be a part of this community of special people. Some of these special people have donated the following to Gabi.
The beautiful custom giant banners were created and donated by Creations by Dawne https://www.facebook.com/CreationsByDawne.
Treasures by TeresaAnn stepped in and created a little mermaid light block as her gift from the community. Theresa even went one step further and is doing a fund raiser open to all in her honor now. For each beautiful light block purchased from the signature Gabi line will result in a 20% donation to Gabi’s Gold Fund. The fundraiser can be seen on Gabi’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GabiNationTotallyRocks
Treasures by TeresaAnn can be found at https://www.facebook.com/TreasuresbyTeresaAnn
As this party was a special one for Gabi and her family it was only fitting that a professional photographer be there to capture the moments on camera. Migdalia Valdes offered her services right away and couldn’t wait to be part of the day. Migdalia is a true artist and really captured the essence of who Gabi is. Migdalia Valdes Photography can be found at www.migdaliavaldes.com
Dance Central also contacted us and donated free dance classes after reading Gabi’s story on our website and learning how much she loves to dance.
When Gabi enters art adventure I hold my breath. I can tell that others are as well. We are all anticipating a reaction, but not sure what. (It’s a lot of responsibility to throw the party of a lifetime.) While most children would be slightly overwhelmed by so much attention she handled it like a mega star with tons of red carpet experience.
Gabi enters with the grace of a movie star (look at those towers too!).
Gabi is so smart. Our princess never missed a beat, she jumps right in and gets down to business. She is one of the most polite children I have ever encountered, asking politely if she can work at a station or if she can have a little help. Her classmates welcomed her right in, grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the fun.
The kids decorate the blackboard for Gabi.
(R) makes her mark on the souviner t-shirt made for Gabi.
Gabi is gentleness and kindness epitomized. She moves from station to station with her parents and friends. She is in her element, she paints naturally as if she was born with a paintbrush in hand. Each station is more fun than the next, with the culmination being the chance to pop balloons with a stick and create one of a kind paintings (so fun!). I don’t think that Gabi stopped to breathe. She smiled through the whole party (yesss!) from ear to ear. So did her friends :o)
Gabi paints.
Gabi shows off her handiwork.
(H) pops a baloon filled with paint!
To read Gabi’s story (click here) will break your heart. To hear how a community came together to give her the party of a lifetime will restore your faith in humanity. It all started with a preschool, an email and a lot of heart. I am so proud to be a part of a community that cares so much for one another and our children, that we pull together to help one another out. An amazing day was had by all and I know that we can’t thank you all enough.
Here is a listing of the amazing vendors who donated their services to Gabi’s “No More Chemo” Party. To check out their work simply click their names!
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