Whimsically Witchy Halloween-Inspired Fundraiser to Support Public School Fine Arts
Whimsically Witchy Halloween-Inspired Fundraiser to Support Public School Fine Arts
Halloween Display Fundraiser to Benefit Public School Fine Arts in Staunton, VA
A Staunton mom has combined her love of crafting and her passion for arts education into a Halloween-inspired fundraiser to benefit elementary public-school art and music programs. In its third year, “Whimsically Witchy” is a family-friendly Halloween display located across the street from McSwain Elementary School in Staunton. The Halloween display will be up from October 7-31.
The display is free, but visitors are asked to donate to the art and music programs through the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge payment portal via QR code displayed on yard signs. Tip jar contributions may also be made at many downtown Staunton businesses.
“Whimsically Witchy” is the brainchild of Camille Dierksheide, a local mom and classical singer. Dierksheide designed and hand-crafted the display with recycled materials, electronics and building supplies she and her husband purchased as well as generous donations materials, time and talent from local businesses, family and friends all over the country. The display features:
• A cast of six life-size witches in period dress made from recycled vinegar bottles and garbage bags;
• Light-changing floating orbs;
• A haunted forest of seven-foot trees with light-up faces;
• A cemetery of hand-made head stones of Halloween icons including the Sanderson Sisters; and
• Motorized flying bats atop nine-foot Grecian Doric columns.
“I started extreme crafting during the pandemic so I wouldn’t lose my mind,” Dierksheide says. “Some artists use oils; my media is spray foam insulation on chicken wire.” “The result was a front yard Halloween display that received so much attention we decided to use it for some greater purpose.” Last year, “Whimsically Witchy” raised over $5300 for art and music programs at all three elementary schools. This year, in addition to the elementary schools, we will also raise funds to augment the arts, music, and drama at Shelburne Middle School. All funds are collected and distributed by the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge.
“This fundraiser makes a direct impact on our ability to offer quality music education to all. Thank you for your ongoing support!” ~Katherine McLean, Music Teacher, Ware Elementary School
“For our amazing exceptional learners, who may have hearing and/or vision impairment, we've bought special supplies to be able to do very textural art where the feel of the material is important” ~Kristen O'Neil, Art Teacher, Ware Elementary
The Whimsically Witchy Halloween display is located at 1101 North Coalter Street in Staunton, across from the McSwain Elementary School Field. Details about the display and information on how to donate are available on the “Whimsically Witchy” website: www.whimsicallywitchy.org.