‘Team of True Angels’ host fundraiser for Mary O’Brien

The successful event at Angel Art in support of the fundraising efforts for cancer patient Mary O’Brien came about by coincidence. What happened was that Karen McAulay, whose daughter Niamh is a school friend of Mary’s daughter, had dropped Niamh to Angel Art for an ear piercing, and had then intended to nip across to Fagan Print to have some posters printed to promote the GoFundMe page.

But Niamh wanted her to wait while the ear piercing was carried out, and while there, Karen got talking to Joanne (proprietor of Angel Art), and asked if they would put up a poster to highlight the campaign.

They agreed, but they went much further than that, Karen said. “Within five minutes, Joanne had spoken to the staff working that day and said that they would get on board for a fundraising day in their store, and all proceeds would be donated to the cause.”

Karen was delighted, particularly as the Angel Art team didn’t know her. She added: “Joanne asked me to wait as the four tattoo artists each designed tattoos specifically for the fundraiser – which I did – and left the store with a poster of the tattoo illustrations, all so tasteful and pertinent to this cause.”

The designs were: Cancer Ribbon, which could be filled with colour of choice, such as pink for the Breast Cancer campaign); Runes, for strength and good health; Celtic symbols, for health and unconditional love; Iriskelion, for protection and progress; and Hand of Hamsa, for protection and health.

“Also, she said she would offer piercings and look into what else could be done. I was blown away by the instantaneous support! Angel Art are a team of True Angels.

“If I was in a tight spot, I’d want Joanne on my team. Nothing fazed her, such a calm persona, from the moment she heard of Mary’s plight, from a coincidental conversation with a stranger, she took the it and ran with it and offered both online services and fundraising services on the day in store.

“Joanne’s daughter Chloe taught Niamh the art of hair wrapping and provided her with everything necessary that she could practise at home and be ready to offer the service to both children and adults on the day.”

The event, on the Sunday of the June bank holiday weekend, raised €2971 for Mary O’Brien. The Angel Art premises (on Austin Friar Street in Mullingar) was bustling with people throughout the day, enjoying music from local band Unwind and other musicians who joined in for a jam session.

Activities included an art auction, bake sale, craft table, face painting, temporary tattoos, and hair wraps. Liga Runkauska and Martina LaFey conducted oracle card readings; Jay and Sass managed the refreshments, ensuring everyone was well fed and hydrated.

Upstairs, Angel Lee and Chloe Faith offered piercing services, and Daria V Tattoos, Lolly Tattoos, and Clodagh Tattoos provided tattoo artistry, and all proceeds went to the cause.

Joanne at Angel Art said: “A big thank-you to all the local businesses that supported the event and contributed raffle prizes – special recognition to Aida and Nicole from the Crane Bird Art Studio and Judith Ryan for their art contributions and Vicky Gladka for face painting and Josie Moran, Laura Moran, and Karen McAulay and Niamh for setting up and assisting with the fundraiser.”

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner after the fundraising day, Karen was keen to emphasise the community spirit behind it, and the positive atmosphere at Angel Art on the day.

“We hear of bad news constantly – so let’s have a shout-out to the local community for their selfless, instantaneous support for Mary’s fundraising,” she said. “Sometimes kindness can be found in abundance when we are not looking, just as it was here. We should never underestimate the strength and power in our community.”

She said they had a great day at the fundraiser, and it made her think about the need for safe spaces for teenagers to meet and express themselves, to listen to music played by their peers – and “these amazing angels are the type who could really drive that forward in the community”.

“The energy in that store was heartwarming, a great alternative to a retail therapy trip to the shopping mall!”

Making the point that the school holidays are here, and young people need options, Karen said that even those with a short attention span could never be bored in this environment [Angel Art] – “it’s a store full of wonders and possibilities, a feast for the senses”.

“It’s only now that I am following the store on Instagram that I’m aware of the many workshops available there, from magical arts and craft children’s workshops such as making wands and wind catchers, to the meditation and relaxation workshops, or just to call in with friends and have coffee or tea of your choosing at the magnificent apothecary.

“On the day I decided to have a small, delicate tattoo, one of the designs drawn specifically for the day, a Celtic design meaning strength and unconditional love, simple and beautiful, to mark the day and support such a good cause. While having it done, I was talking to the tattooists as she was working, to hear her story of how she arrived at this profession was so interesting and made me stop for a moment and just think – as a mother of a teenager, it’s so important to communicate and listen to the young adults. It’s a difficult journey for both them and us as parents, as we only ever want the best for them. Sometimes after years of academic or vocational studies, people can find themselves in a profession that just isn’t satisfying or that their job choice is making them unhappy.

“I suppose what I’m trying to say is, let’s try look at the whole picture and not try pushing square pegs into round holes.”

“Many events have been run for this very important GoFundMe for Mary O’Brien and the Westmeath community are so supportive, but there was something special about this event held by Angel Art and the people involved. A huge thank you to Joanne for making this such a successful event.”