Forty-three were sold and nearly 600 people passed through the exhibition.

The unaudited accounts indicate the funds raised for the 18 month program exceed $20,000 and these will be equally divided equally among the three charities: the children’s hospital in Newcastle, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Meals on Wheels.

The second raffle raised over $1,800 and was won by Tea Gardens Grange resident Heather Finckh.

The painting was one by Tea Gardens artist Dorothy Hyde.

The $250 People’s Choice Award was won by Armidale resident Melvin Duffy of Armidale, closely followed by Tea Gardens Hermitage resident Alan McGuinn. In third place was grange resident Les Worland.

In addition The Grange Art Show Committee purchased the painting entitled Bubbles by artist Jennifer Crozier, which depicts happy young children with animated bubbles.

This painting will be donated to a children’s ward in John Hunter Hospital with a plaque referring to the art show and the artist.

The whole event culminated in the very popular charity auction sponsored by Myall Travel and conducted again by Geoff Latona.

Grossing around $5,800, items auctioned varied from works of art to basketball memorabilia, from accommodation and meal vouchers to a sailing boat.

Great thanks are due to so many very generous parties; the award and event sponsors, the auction sponsors and around 50 volunteers from the grange and hermitage who helped put the whole event together.