Today I strolled down to the park in Scarness Hervey Bay to check out The Forget Me Not Children’s Orphanage annual ‘Kids helping Kids Day’.

There was plenty to do with food and merchandise stalls, a fire twirling display, children’s craft activities, face painting and all services were donated to raise much needed funds for the orphanage.

I listened with interest as Lars Olsen who founded the orphanage in 2005 was interviewed my Chanel Nine for a new television show ‘Inside Queensland’.

Lars mentioned how his inspirational journey started when he was just 16 as he sought balance in his life and believed in giving and taking therefore setting up the orphanage to give back to children that need it.

He felt a connection with Nepal and fell in love with the children. Most of the young girls now in his orphanage were molested by the people who were supposed to be looking after them, taking them a long time to feel comfortable with the newfound orphanage, school, warmth, love and education. Their personalities soon blossomed and Lars feels the girls always give him more that what he can give them.

He is extremely passionate about his cause considering himself a normal everyday person and believes there is a general good in everybody.

Lars and the team behind this orphanage are truly inspirational.

My friend Lolita donated her face painting services creating some master pieces on the children in the park. She then did some henna art to raise more funds for the orphanage. On her break I got together with Forget Me Not President Debby Haigh and tried to create my own henna masterpiece! Unfortunately or maybe fortunately my design on Debby ended up on Carla’s arm (fundraising chair for FMNCH) when she was mucking around with Lars while he did some juggling in front of the film crew. Lucky Lolita saved the day and redid Debby’s glitter butterfly!

About 1pm I went over to Enzo’s Cafe for some lunch and a coffee to check out the sounds of Soul’Sa (Fleetwood, Shannon & Reza) a newly formed local band that play Afro Cuban & Latin Grooves and were performing all original material inspired by “Soukous” which is very popular in Africa.

The music was very relaxing and just right for the beautiful beach setting with a cool summer breeze flowing through.

It was lovely to catch up with Lupita the Fraser Coasts Latin and Alternative Dance Instructor from Maryborough and her family, several members of the Fraser Coast Latino Group plus other business people I knew. There was quite a large turnout.

As it was the bands first ever performance I think with some more practice they may become quite popular in the area.

I personally had a fantastic day out!

On Saturday Night I attended the Forget Me Not Orphanage Fundraising Ball at Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island. Design House Fraser Coast  donated numerous hours design time to develop artwork including; event posters, tickets, invites and paper ads for the ball. What a sensational night; the atmosphere was electric, the food was delicious, the swing band was going off and the donations were enormous (40K+)! Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor, Mr Mick Kruger and State MP for Burnett, Mr Rob Messenger were among the many illustrious guests.

Naomi Wood, Mick Kruger and Jeanette Maynes, photographed at the ball.

Congratulations to Rob Garland and Lynda for taking out the best dressed couple award at the ball from our “Jail House Rock” table.

“The Ball last Saturday, May 17th, altogether raised over $40,000 for the Forget Me Not Children’s Home! Enormous appreciation to all who attended and the many businesses and sponsors who contributed in a variety of ways. Huge thanks also to Deb Haigh who worked incredible hours for months as the Ball co-ordinator and to her hard-working planning group.”

There were a few tears in the crowd for what was a moving fundraiser for the orphanage; helping with the provision of shelter, education and most importantly, love to orphans in Nepal.

I’m positive every year will be even more successful with the can do team behind this event and orphanage!