With running shoes at the ready, our herd of sponsors flocked together for the much anticipated Matching Event for the Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne Art Trail.
Held at the Hilton Hotel, Gateshead, trail sponsors and guests were invited to enjoy a drinks reception and, for the very first time, view this year’s baa-rilliant designs.
The collection has been carefully curated to showcase a variety of creative designs from both local and national artists. The matching event gives sponsors the opportunity to choose their favourite, which they hope will adorn their Shaun sculpture when the trail begins on Wednesday 27th July.
There was a definite air of excitement as guests viewed all 65 designs available, identifying their top three and in good spirits, making plans to get their first choice.
Among the many sponsors getting ready to run for their number one design were one of our latest recruits, Alnwick Gardens, with one team member having brought their running shoes especially for the event.
“We are very excited! We’ve found our favourite and we really hope we get our sticker on it,” shared Ian McAllister, from Alnwick Gardens.
The team from DAC Beechcroft added, “After some lively debate, we’ve found ours too. It stood out immediately and we knew it was the one for us.”
After an hour to peruse the designs, Libby Fryer, trail Lead and Fundraising Events Manager at St Oswald’s Hospice, called the flock to order.
In true Art Trail style, one person from each business team was armed with a sticker, ready to run to their number one design. The countdown began and after a 3-2-1-baa, they were off!
Catching up after the event, Ruth from Alnwick Garden said, “As soon as I saw the trail mentioned on LinkedIn, I knew we had to get involved. I am a Shaun the Sheep super fan and knew we couldn’t miss this opportunity.”
“Learning about the cause and the work St Oswald’s do has been so interesting, especially the stories and connections that different people have with the Hospice. Meeting other businesses at this event has been wonderful, it’s great to make those connections and to be involved in this together.”
Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne is the third art trail led by St Oswald’s Hospice, to raise awareness and much needed funds for the fantastic work of the Hospice as it supports those with life limiting conditions and their families, across the region.
“One of the main reasons we’re involved in the trail is because of one of our colleagues; her brother received a lot of care at St Oswald’s and we really wanted to give something back,” explained Neil, DAC Beechcroft.
As the event drew to a close, we look forward to seeing the artists designs come to life as they begin to work on their Shaun sculptures ready for the art trail launch this summer
If you’d like to be a sponsor, we still have a few Shauns looking for their perfect partnersheep. Head to our Sponsors section to find out more or email our team at sponsors@shaunonthetyne.co.uk.
