Forbes Preschool has been turned into a gallery for a cause.
Artists donated work and children took up their brushes, with preschool families and community members gathering Friday night in support of Ronald McDonald House.
The event was "beyond expectations" a delighted preschool director Amy Shine said, with early estimates it's raised $15,000 to support the houses both in Orange and in Westmead.
"It was amazing how many community members came and supported a preschool fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House," Ms Shine added.
So many Forbes families, including many connected to the preschool, have relied on this "home away from home" when their child has become seriously ill.
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Ms Shine extended a heartfelt thank you to everyone who dug deep to support the event, including businesses and community members as well as artists.
Auction items were generously donated by Mel Hoey at Made of Fridays, Eat Your Greens, Ruby Woodlock, Lakkari Pitt, Therese Crowe, Sarah Hodge.
Forbes Preschool thanks sponsors Triple M Carpentry, Gunns Menswear, SRV Livestock Transport, Grace's Hair Studio, Hutcheon and Pearce, Farmhouse Floriae, The Book Dispensary, Loomzy's Fish n Fix, Turners Furniture One, AGnVET, Cahill's Footwear, Central West Diesel, the Dunn family, Kate Bilsborough and Carmen Stephens.
Forbes Preschool's staff also generously gave their time and energy in the lead up to the event and on the night.
"The team so selflessly put on a spectacular show," Ms Shine said.
Bringing it all home were two local ladies, Kath Garland and Erin Hartwig, who spoke of how Ronald McDonald House became home and community for their families in the hardest of times of their child's illness.
Ronald McDonald House, with its caring volunteers and community, was a place of comfort, stability and hope - with really cool stuff to support the kids too.
"Every dollar raised helps keeps families together when everything suddenly falls apart," Kath said.
Ms Shine thanked them for sharing the impact the House has made.
"I'm so grateful to Kath and Erin for sharing their stories," Ms Shine said.
