American Red Cross Fundraiser Mermaid Winners
The generosity and compassion of our customers made a “Splash” this winter market season with our American Red Cross fundraiser for Hurricane Sandy relief. Donations – which were matched by IMAX – were collected in return for the chance to win one of two original mermaid sculptures made by Oklahoma artist, Colleen Stiles.
Tami Durkee of The Pear Tree in Cocoa Village, Florida made a generous donation and was thrilled to win the January 15th drawing in Atlanta for the mermaid “Sirene”.
The Pear Tree considers itself a unique shopping experience with a coastal flair. Unique Gifts & Home Accessories is the tag line, and it’s really an eclectic selection of both. Originally opened in the 1980s, this March will mark Tami’s 10th anniversary as proprietor. During this time, Tami expanded the store, doubling the physical size, and greatly expanded the style and selection of gifts and home décor. Soon “Sirene” will join the store, and they already think of her as their mascot. Her colors and whimsical design will fit right in!
Living in Florida, the Durkees are all too familiar with the effects of hurricanes! “We have lived without power due to hurricanes. 
We have family members who lost their homes in Andrew. Watching as Sandy came ashore we worried for our friends and vendors in New Jersey amd New York,” said John Durkee. “So when [our salesperson] asked for a donation and said that IMAX was matching it, Tami and I were very happy to contribute.” Just days after Sandy hit, the fishing club to which John Durkee belongs collected numerous supplies, loaded a truck and trailer, and drove them to folks in NJ. Lots of canned food – and manual can openers – lots of blankets and clothing, plus hundreds of gallons of fresh water were distributed to those affected by the storm.
Shannon Turner of Girard Ave Collection in LaJolla, California won the January 31st drawing for the mermaid, “Korrigan”, in Las Vegas. Shannon is eager to continue the fundraising effort at her own store once “Korrigan” comes home.
Girard Ave Collection is a collective of unique home accessories – antique, vintage, some funk, some new – a great mix of everything for the home and garden. LaJolla is a beach town, and so “Korrigan” should feel right at home.
Thank you to all of our customers and friends who have contributed to help the American Red Cross raise funds for the ongoing Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.
Making a bigger “Splash” with IMAX!
First of all, I would like to personally congratulate the winner of our drawing for the mermaid, “Siréne”, held in Atlanta on the 15th. Tami Durkee of The Pear Tree in Cocoa Village, Florida made a generous donation and was rewarded by getting to take the mermaid home this spring! Thank you to all of our customers and friends who contributed to help the American Red Cross raise funds for the ongoing Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.
You Can Still Help:
If you did not win the first drawing, don’t worry – you can still help! We will be collecting donations through the end of the Las Vegas market (February 1st) for a chance to win the second original mermaid sculpture, “Korrigan”, by yours truly. I have been working at record pace to complete a second sculpture in time for market, and guess what? She’s finished. This piece is very different from the first, and I must say that I think you will love her. She is seated on a table, but can be removed to sit on a countertop or other surface, so she is more versatile to display. Her shimmery painted scales are decorated with intricate drawings remeniscent of henna tattoos
, and she leans back, holding a glass orb in her outstretched hand. Very ethereal, in a watery kind of way!
The Vision:
We are continuing to partner with the Red Cross in their Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. For every $20 donated, you will receive a chance to win this beautiful original life-sized mermaid sculpture, and IMAX will contribute matching donations. Join us in continuing the support needed by our friends and neighbors affected by the storm.
I hope that if you make it to Las Vegas you will come and see the mermaid. You will find “Korrigan” in our showroom window display, World Market Center A429.
Donate Online: Donate online at www.imaxcorp.com/mermaid/
Donate in the Las Vegas Showroom: Donations are being collected in Las Vegas – World Market Center A429.
