Each year, when the time comes to start thinking about the theme baskets we’d like to prepare for the upcoming Auction, there is one person I can’t wait to talk to, because I know she’s going to put a big smile on my face. Even though she has yet to attend a MagicMeet, having been living in the United Kingdom for the last few years, her enthusiasm and “can-do” attitude, as well as her creative talents, have been a part of every auction we’ve held.
Mini-V, as she is known on our forums, is a very talented seamstress who has a magical machine - otherwise known as a Brother Embroidery Machine with a Disney cartridge - that lets her personalize virtually anything fabric with a Mickey, Minnie, or other character. (I would seriously love to get one of these machines myself, but my family won’t let me because they know nothing would be safe - everything would end up Mickeyfied somehow.)
Mini-V’s creative talents are being put to very good use for this year’s auction.
The Spa Basket (give me time, it will have a catchier name by July) is the closest a Disney gal can get to the Grand Floridian or Saratoga Springs spas while at home. Included in the basket is a complete towel set, a turban wrap, a waffle-weave spa robe, and custom fit spa slippers, all embroidered with Minnie Mouse. Mini-V also sent some fine French bath fizzies and soaps with character, and a little surprise for the winner of the basket. To complete the lot, real Disney H20 spa products will be included. To every Mom reading: this is the basket you wish you got for Mother’s Day today!
The "Kids in the Kitchen" lot started out with the discovery of a new Disney Magic in the Kitchen cookbook. I asked Mini-V about maybe making a child’s apron to go with it. Not only did she say yes - and created the most darling original Mickey apron - she included a kid’s chef hat and two pot holders! The lot will also include a Ratatouille Baking set (real cookware - not toys!) and some other surprises. Here Mini-V models the apron and hat before shipping them over from London.
It’s so much more than just the nice things she creates that makes Mini-V so special to me and to the auction. It’s the excitement she shares with every stitch. The messages back and forth are always sent with a smile and a sense of humor. It’s inspiring to hear how much she enjoys her craft, and how happy she is to be doing something that will help the Dream Team Project help children.
Many times I have wished I could hop a plane, fly across the Atlantic and give her a big hug to say “Thank you,” but haven’t been able to do so in person. But very soon I won’t have to, because she will be packing her bags, crossing the pond, and moving to Florida to live out her dream to be a Cast Member at Walt Disney World - something I just know she’ll be perfect for. And it will be very fitting to meet her at the Happiest Place on Earth.
[Ed. note: I wrote this in advance over a week ago, and only found out on the day that Friday was Mini-V’s birthday. So I am very pleased to wish her Many Happy Returns of the Day! as well as a very happy Mother’s Day to her and all the moms out there]
Learn more about the Dream Team Charity Auction at MagicMeets: click here
Learn more about the Dream Team Project: click here
Please check out the Dream Team Auction Wish List & Sponsor Opportunities!
