Art Benefit Show at Knott's Resort Hotel Raises More Than $3,700.00 for Sandy Graham!

On the evening of Sunday, April 25th, 2010, an art show was held at the Knott's Resort Hotel in Buena Park, to benefit Halloween Haunt icon Sandy Graham, who has recently undergone major surgery to remove cancer from her body.

Sandy has been part of the Knott's Halloween Haunt family for decades, wearing many hats, but most notably, as the Vampire Queen in just about every vamp maze that's existed at Knott's Scary Farm.

To assist Sandy and her family cope with the massive medical bills and costs that will come from caring for her at home once she is released this Wednesday, April 28th, friends worked quickly and in concert with Knott's Berry Farm to set up a benefit art show, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Queen.

There were all types of things for sale - from photographs and paintings to original concept art and Halloween Haunt items signed by Knott's designers. Artwork ranged from gorgeous to truly bizarre - there was definitely something for everyone... although this was a unique group to begin with!

Many members of the Knott's Halloween Haunt team were present - from monsters to managers, and many fans were there, as well as several Theme Park Adventure readers, which we loved to see. The support was fantastic.

Sandy's sister, Tawnda, brought a special item to be added to the show - a small plaster puppy that Sandy had painted earlier in the week during one of her art therapy rehabilitation classes. Sandy thought Tawnda was nuts for wanting to try and sell it at the show - she told her that it would probably sell for $.75 cents. Much to Sandy's shock (Tawnda said her face was priceless when she told her), the puppy went for $75 dollars - to Theme Park Adventure's very own Shea Foley!

The event lasted for three hours, from 6pm - 9pm, and the entire time, the room was buzzing with activity, but not so much activity that Host of Seraphim (one of the long-time tracks used at Haunt in the vampire mazes) couldn't be heard over the sound system.

It was a tremendous evening of love, laughter and friends supporting one of their own. The only thing missing was Sandy herself - but she was there in spirit, living in each of our hearts, in every piece of art, and in every smile, hug and kiss exchanged throughout the night.

Some of the items that were not sold will be put online by the artists and Theme Park Adventure will be more than ready to pass that information along to you all as it becomes available.

In addition to this event, there will be future gatherings and benefits for Sandy, as her battle has just begun - all of us are dedicated to being right there at her side and ready to help until this is all a distant memory. She is an amazing person, and it is our honor to help rally people to raise Sandy up and support her in all ways.

A huge kudos goes out to Tamara Lujan and her crew for working so hard to make this event happen. As a result of their labor and love, Sandy is receiving $3,785.29 from this event. It doesn't matter if you came and simply donated at the door and looked around, or if you came and spent hundreds - every little bit helped, and the outcome is absolutely beautiful. The point is, if you made the effort to come out last night, you did your part - and Sandy absolutely benefited from everyone's love and support.

Thank each and every person that came to the show - it was wonderful seeing so many familiar faces and meeting new ones. Below is a long chain of images from last night - just a glimpse of the love that was shown to our beloved Sandy. We cannot wait for the next benefit gathering - we'll be there, and we hope all of you will be, too.