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.
Update: We have a winner! The Tami Durkee with The Pear Tree located in Cocoa Village, Florida!
I exhibit and sell through galleries and artist representatives. So, while it may not have been a “normal” thing to hear around the office, it wasn’t completely out of thin air.
Over the summer we created the graphic direction for marketing the Splash trend. It is a very bright and enthusiastic design, illustrated with zen doodle style fish, starfish, sand dollars, and, of course, a mermaid tail! So the mermaids were the perfect unique way to highlight the theme. I am hopeful that all of the January market attendees will take the time to go and see my creations!
mermaid sculpture, and IMAX will contribute matching donations. This is such an exciting effort for us here at IMAX, as we all know people who were affected by the storm.