The Painted Cat is hosting a celebration of creativity, community, and compassion in support of a young student who has lost both her parents.
This Saturday, May 24, from 2 -5 p.m. The Painted Cat Studio is hosting LotusFest, a benefit for a young Sarnia girl named Lotus, who recently lost her mother, and her father years earlier.
Kari Faubert, Lotus’ mother, passed away in February after years of health issues that required hospitalization for long periods of time. Her father, Will Amrhein passed away in 2021. Lotus is now living with her elderly grandparents.
Cat Cabajar, owner of The Painted Cat, and friend Shauna Nelles wanted to find a way to raise money to help them care for her.
“When I found out that Kari had passed I immediately thought of Lotus and made a promise to her that I would do everything in my power to protect and support her little girl,” she says.
Lotus has been a student with The Painted Cat for many years. “She is a free spirit full of whimsy and possesses a vivid imagination,” Cabajar says.
Lotus is nine years old and loves art, dinosaurs, crystals, frogs, and candy. Cabajar has offered her a spot in her after school art programs for as long as she would like. “Kari used to send me messages thanking me for being a safe space for her daughter while she navigated the grief of losing Lotus’ father, ” says the art studio owner.
Kari Faubert was a reiki practitioner, psychic, and medium who touched the lives of many in the community.
“She gave me so many insightful readings over the years that brought me guidance for different aspects of my life and relationships, including my business affairs,” says Cabajar. “There are many moments throughout my journey where I have paused and thought, ‘Wow! Kari was right about that.’
“I’m sure there are many people that can relate to that, after a reading with Kari.”
“Years ago this community showed up for me and my family after a house fire left us without a home and most of our belongings,” explains Cabajar. “The way people rallied to show their support gave me so much strength and hope. I want Lotus and her grandparents to feel that same love and support.”
LotusFest will see The Painted Cat Studio transformed into a magical fairy forest and will feature:
• A real life Fairy Princess
• Face painting
• Glitter tattoos
• Balloon twisting
• Fairy door and crystal pendant craft stations
• Silent auction for items generously donated by local businesses
• Special gift bags for the first 10 kids to RSVP
• Fairy forest photo ops
The community is invited to come and show their support. Those who can’t attend can still help with donations of money or items for the silent auction, or by sponsoring the $10 admission for others to attend.
Disclaimer: This article was written by Andrew Wilton, who is also affiliated with The Painted Cat Studio, the host of LotusFest. His involvement offers a personal perspective on this community-driven event.
