Our kids’ school Immanuel Lutheran Primary had their first shopping night event on Friday night. I had the privilege to be able to be a part of it. The idea was that the businesses involved would supply a percentage of their profit to the school’s toy library. That and the tiny entry fee for the night would have drawn in some good funds for the school. The event was an exploratory activity for the parents and friends association. I believe it was a success with fifty shoppers pre-purchasing tickets for the night.
I was happy to be there and get some exposure to the school community about our services. Unfortunately most of the people there were unwilling to have their photos taken because they weren’t prepared for it. Though it was fun asking them! I think people are so conditioned by what the magazines publish as people shots that they are scared to have their own photo taken unless they feel they look perfect. Well I was impressed with the ladies that did brave it in front of the lights. They can be confident of a nice portrait and providing a significant contribution to the school.
This is our kids first year at Immanuel and I am impressed by the school’s desire to foster and build a community spirit amongst it’s families. After having lived in various communities around our country that didn’t have much interest in transitory people like ourselves it’s good to be in a place that is trying to draw people together to impact on a community.
I am looking forward to the next event and am hoping that our donation can draw some good funds for the school. If you are a local Immanuel person looking out for some good portrait work. Check out the PhotoGraft website. The more local work in portraits and weddings booked the more we can afford to put back into the local community.

update: I have just been advised that the night raised $1500 dollars for the school. Well done!