International celebrity Richard O’Brien presents his artworks to Suzie Haynes, Bay of Plenty regional coordinator for Parent to Parent NZ. (Photo credit Dorothy van der Hoven)
In fact Richard, known for his generous support of children’s causes, donated not one but three original art works to the Chill Summer Art Auction being held on Trade Me, May 22-31. They were gratefully received last week by Parent to Parent Coastal BOP regional coordinator Suzie Haynes.
“These doodles – for doodles they are – were drawn just for the fun of doing so,” O’Brien said.
“My only hope is that others find them appealing and, with this fundraiser in particular, I feel an urgent need to hear that someone has paid far too much for them.
“You must remember that I am 75, and a doodler’s work (after they have shuffled off to doodler’s heaven) does tend to increase in value.”
Parent to Parent is promoting Chill internationally and hopes O’Brien’s doodles will be snapped up by Rocky Horror collectors.
Chill is an annual fundraiser for Parent to Parent’s core nationwide services providing information and support to families who have a child with a disability.
“Our services are unique to Parent to Parent in New Zealand, and are very much sought-after in the disability sector,” Ms Haynes said.
Other famous Kiwis tackling a canvas include transatlantic rower and author Rob Hamill, Olympic gold medal cyclist Eddie Dawkins, children’s entertainers Suzy Cato, Anna van Riel, Kath Bee and Itty Bitty Beats, former Black Caps Chris Martin and Dion Nash. Visit www.parent2parent.org.nz to keep up with the famous Kiwis confirming every week.