10/09/2026
The streets of Fairhope were deserted when I pulled up to The Venue last night.
I wasn’t sure what the turnout was going to be like for this event. We had all been hurricane prepping all day. Isaias was hovering menacingly in the Gulf. I had already done all my storm prep by bringing all my outdoor decorations in (a hefty amount, and I injured my knee doing so. Prayers appreciated!), and we had all braved the lines at the grocery stores and gas pumps.
The storm, BTW, wasn’t slated to make landfall for two more days. But never mind.
I was putting all that aside to do this event for the Exceptional Foundation.
So I arrived early, wondering the whole way if people would show up. I found parking right across the street, which did not bode well.
I hoped people would show. This art show is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast.
Funny story. I did this event last year, and that’s how I found out about them. They are a day center for adults with special needs. They do activities and trips and socialize.
My daughter Grace has Down syndrome and is 24. She desperately needed some friends. So I thought I’d check it out.
The EF changed her life.
Grace is so much happier now. She has something to look forward to. That and her job at Publix, which helps give her purpose and meaning.
She RAVES about it and looks forward to it and lays out her things a week in advance for her days there. I kid you not.
I’m so grateful for the Exceptional Foundation.
So this year Daisy, the director, asked me back. And of course I said yes!
But then the hurricane started brewing.
And my other nearby weekend events were canceled. And I worried. Would they cancel? And more importantly, would anyone show up???
I finally reached Daisy yesterday morning. She said, “Yes, we’re on!” So I added that to my prep list: load my truck (yes, I drive a Ford F-250. Are you surprised?).
I got there and met Daisy, and she introduced me to all the staff who were there for their event, all spiffed up. It was weird seeing them not in jeans and T-shirts. I didn’t recognize some of them.
I set up, and the time I thought it started came and went, 5:00, but it was still only people who were working there.
Oh no.
But Daisy came by at around 5:15 and said, “The doors will open soon! Get ready for the onslaught!”
I guess I put 5:00 down so I’d arrive early to set up.
Anyway, at 5:30 they opened the doors, and within minutes it was a full house!
Yay!
Ronald, the music and arts director, helped some of the participants sing a song he had written about EF, which was very touching. And afterwards, the auction was packed.
I was so glad! They showed up - In spades. Because, like me, EF is important to them and their loved ones. Most of the people attending were people who had family who attended EF or who were supporting them.
Two young ladies sat down for me towards the end. I asked what brought them here. They said they’re in college now, both studying in medical fields, but used to work for EF years ago. Now, since my daughter has only been there a year, I figured they wouldn’t know her.
But one girl had come back for the summer and knew my daughter Grace! I didn’t believe her at first. Grace is a common name for girls her age, but she described her (very short, LOL!).
I met the owner of Rae’s and she suggested I come draw at the Fairhope arts and crafts festival at her restaurant. (If you’re reading this Jessica contact me I have another idea about the art walk!)
I also met some famous local artists, at least for Fairhope. In particular, Bruce Lawsen, who came and sat for me, and we chatted about how we both have home studios (to save money and so we can get work done and people won’t bug us all day long).
So you never know who you’re going to be drawing. Or meeting. There’s an old saying that everyone is your customer.
I love that, and I use it every day.
Thanks to Daisy, the staff, the two wonderful young women, Bruce, and everyone who came out to support the Exceptional Foundation while we were all hurricane prepping!
If you’re in the Fairhope area and have a loved one with special needs, I encourage you to check out the Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast. I can’t tell you how much they’ve meant to Grace and our family.
And if you’re looking for something fun and memorable for your next wedding, corporate event, birthday party, holiday party, fundraiser, school event, or family celebration, I’d love to draw a crowd for you!
www.caricaturesbykathy.com
