The Happy House magic is so strong it can turn on the sun!
After a week of torrential rain, and more forecast, Saturday turned out to be a fine day for the fundraising barbecue hosted by Steve and Cherith Cushing with help from Michael and Sheila Dickinson.
Steve and Cherith's garden at Staining, near Blackpool, provided the perfect backdrop for a summer party with a very topical Olympics theme.
Olympic themed races - including an egg and spoon race - attracted a good entry in both adult and children's section, with plastic trophies and medals for the winners!
There was a raffle and other games to pull in the cash, and delicious food cooked by team Cushing and Dickinson.
Special guests were Mama Sue and Papa Dave who were delighted to meet up with old friends and new, and who made even more friends for our children during the afternoon.
Mama Sue and Elizabeth spoke about the Happy House and the way it is changing little lives by putting hope into the hearts of children.
The event brought us six new sponsors, who we are thrilled to welcome to our family and who will, we know, find befriending a Happy House child so rewarding.
Throughout the afternoon Andy Figg and singers Emma, Michael and Courtney, provided top class entertainment.
The hard work which went into bthe day was matched by the generosity of those who attended and resulted in raising £2,607.11, plus six sponsors which means an extra £1,500 a year. Steve said: "In addition to this we know a lot of people who could not attend have been on line and made donations - so the actual sum raised is even higher.
A very big thank you to everyone."A huge thank you from our family to you Steve and Cherith and to Michael and Sheila and to all the helpers who made it a very special, and thank you, too, to all those who came along and made it such a very special day.
