As Winterfest 2011 draws near, many of the events tie in the theme of giving: be it the gift of family, affection, love, friends or the giving back to the community—this strange realm of innocents, ne'er do wells, knights and space pirates. Winterfest shares with Rhydin this year by giving away citizen donated prizes to nominated Frost King & Queen, as well as randomly rewarding prizes to festival go-ers this year.

There are those in the realm who may have fallen onto hard times as well, who have lost so much or who may not have anything. In the spirit of Christmas, Yule, the Winter Solstice celebration and preparation for the long winter, Winterfest would like to assist RhyDin charities in giving to those without this holiday season, as well as unexpectedly brightening the long winter days of guests who show up!

As such, several of the attractions featured during Winterfest asks for donations—whatever anyone can give—instead of charging coin or monetary values. For instance, instead of paying for a private and intimate sleigh ride during the evening of December 16th, the Festival of the Lights, guests who wish to use these luxurious sleighs are asked to bring a donation of their choice to the many RhyDin charities. Further, during the Govenor's Yule Ball, several bins at the door will be placed for donations of non-perishable foods, used or new coats, jackets, capes, cloaks for children too. Companies, individuals and businesses interested in showing off their creations of christmas lights this year are asked to donate to The RhyDin branch of The Family Giving Tree.

The spirit of Winterfest this year truly wishes to embody that of community and giving. Winterfest welcomes all to donate anything and everything they can to those less fortunate this season, to the Frost King & Queen, and toward the events as well as guests themselves.

RHYDIN CHARITIES FOR WINTERFEST The RhyDin branch of The Family Giving Tree: (Providing wrapped gifts to children who otherwise would not have anything under the tree, or anything to unwrap at all this year. )

RhyDin Make a wish: (Providing wishes to terminally ill children. Tickets to shows, games, amusement parks, donations of air miles, travel tickets, shopping sprees, computers, toys, building supplies, meetings with celebraties and more.)

RhyDin Toys for Tots: (RhyDin military, Knighthood, and Watch sponsored toy drive. Unopened, brand new toys wrapped as gifts are collected and handed out to children who otherwise may not have any this year.)

RhyDin Coats & Cloaks for Kids: (Brand new coats, cloaks, furs and thick tunics as well as mittens, scarves, hats or boots for children, keeping them warm and safe during winter.)



______________________________________ OOC

Q: What is this thread for" This thread is for character(s)/Character run corporations/player groups/Business/ to share their donations to charities as well as donations to prize pools for Winterfest, be it a written description, images, or both!

If your character/corporation/player group/business would like to donate prizes to Winterfest anonymously, just send me a PM with what you'd like to have donated and I will be super happy to add them to this post!

Please try and indicate in your post (just so I don't make a boo boo!) that your character(s) donations are for a charity or for a Winterfest prize. Thank you!

Q: What will you do with the prizes donated NOT for charities" If there are enough Prizes Donated for Winterfest itself, I will be making another Thread for Raffle tickets, where character can pick up their tickets, get assigned a random number. The Prizes will then be assigned random numbers and I will use this web site: http://andrew.hedges.name/experiments/random/ to guarantee to generate a random number. Raffle ticket owners present with the matching number that night of the event wins the prize package! But! We need enough prizes donated to last the four days of the event! So get your donation juices flowin!

Q:I have further questions about this thread, Winterfest, or something else? Please feel free to contact me anytime! Send a PM to RDI Risa, an email or AOL/AIM to RisaJones@aol.com!

Mindy and Ryan Wilson, Natalia Smith, and the staff of Tranquility Gallery and Bookshop would like to donate 1000 assorted lanterns, candles and crystal and silver wire snowflakes for the decorating and lighting of the winterfest. http://images.buyitsellit.com/1936377_290.jpghttp://myweddingreceptionideas.com/images/products/wedding_favors_winter/4137_snowflake_votive_candle_winter_wedding_favors_md.jpg http://images.delphiglass.com/image_new/200925.jpghttp://www.balloons-galore.net/prod_images_large/sflanterns.JPGhttp://www.bridalbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/winter-wedding-candle-centerpiece.jpg

In addition the women of Tranquility, have put together 100 picture book and plush toy sets for assorted ages for Rhydin's Toys for Tots.

1. A week-end at the Imperial Grand Rhy'Din Hotel and Casino for the Frost King and Queen. This deluxe package will include two days and two nights in one of our grand suites, all meals in either the winner's rooms or the dining room of the Temple restaurant, and a couple's massage from the Tranquility Day Spa, as well as $100 in chips for the casino.

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu69/Hatsu-Hana/junior-suite-opal.jpg

2. 150 toys for the Toys for Tots programme, on behalf of the Zen Gardens residents and businesses.

http://www.goodchristmasgiftsstore.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/goodchristmasgiftsimage.jpg

3. For the Make A Wish Foundation: tickets to a performance of the Nutcracker Ballet, a private box in the Shanachie Theatre, and a chance to meet the dancers, from the Black Cat Dance Studios teachers and students.

http://www.twincitiesballet.org/images/nutcracker/nutcracker-ballet-mouse-queen.jpg

For years, during the Yuletide Season, Shylah has covertly donated gifts to those less fortunate who reside in RhyDin. Only a handful of people know how generous the female Viking truly is when it comes to such things. Unknown (to almost everyone) is the method in which she collects the items, from where and from whom. What is not hidden is the fact that she has a mind-boggling number of contacts in the land, as well as in other realms. Perhaps a few of those presents are made by the seafarer, herself. Shy has instructed her crew to distribute the prettily wrapped hand-crafted toys, and the hand-knitted outer garments to the following charities during the scheduled Winterfest events: RhyDin's branch of The Family Giving Tree, and RhyDin's Toys for Tots http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/pinkdoll2.jpg http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/bluedog2.jpg http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/browndog2.jpghttp://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/cordfrog2.jpg http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/pinkcat2.jpghttp://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/bunnyhandpuppet2.jpg http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/rockinghorse2.jpg http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/woodcastle2.jpg http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/stackingrings1.jpg http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/shapescube.gif http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/ringtoss2.jpg http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/hammerpegtoy2.jpg Assorted puzzles: http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/wolffamilypuzzle2.jpg http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/bearcubpuzzle2.jpg http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/horsefoalpuzzle2.jpg http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/snailnumberspuzzle2.jpg http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/octopusnumberpuzzle2.jpg http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/xmastreepuzzle.jpg http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/reindeerpuzzle2.jpg

To RhyDin's Coats & Cloaks for Kids One dozen matching mittens and hat sets: http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/knittedredset2.jpg



For RhyDin's Make A Wish Voyage for six to one of Shylah's islands for a three-day camping trip.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/shysislandvoyage.jpg http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/islandsunset.jpg http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/girlsilouette2.jpg http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/campfireroast.jpg

For the raffle, Fionna donated a painting, framed, whjich she titled Winter Morning:

http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/40012775/id/aLstMX0Y4RGp7VkDKOllSA/size/y.jpg

I Captain Driftwood of Leuthar's Bedlam offer 3 donations

To the various Charities of Rhydin....A contract for their services for the year. Any time we are not under contract (and being new to the area we have none at the moment) Said charities can call upon us for transportation to any place on the planet we can reach.

For the Auction I offer a contract for 24 hours of service by the Bedlam and her crew.

For the Prizes I offer 2 contracts, one for 24 hours of service, and one for a weeks service.

While the Bedlam is still undergoing her refit, I will be adding in facilities for pleasure cruises, including "A lot" of open air deck space.

Captain Leuthar Bedlam and the Leuthar's Bedlam "Let's go make some noise, Boys."

ConColor Inc. would like to donate two items to be auctioned off

The first from Magical Delights a full set of self-playing singing crystals (a spiral of 24 clear iridescent crystals 1/2 inch thick graduating from 6 to 24 inches hanging by silver threads in a circle from a horizontal silver ring that is connected to a circular silver base by a silver arch) that can be brought Magical Delights to have programed in 10 songs of the winner's choice.

The second an evening at ConColor Night Club that will include a five course gourmet meal compete with NuTerrain champagne, dancing in the moonlight glen room and self-glowing mementos, of the evening.

White Snake Incorporated wishes to donate the following to each of the organizations:

To The Family Giving Tree - Ten, wrapped toys: an intricate puzzle, two dolls, a teddy bear, four books (for various reading levels), a handcrafted rocking horse, and a box of craft materials (as one gift). White Snake Inc. also donated 5,000 crowns to the organization for operating expenses.

To Toys for Tots - Ten wrapped toys, same as above, and 5,000 Crowns for operating expenses.

For Make A Wish - 5,000 crowns to make a child's wish come true.

For Coats and Cloaks - 10 wool coats (various sizes), 10 sets of mittens, 10 scarves, 10 hats, and 20 pairs of boots (various sizes). All sets are either brown or black, functional, rather than pretty.

For Winterfest itself, White Snake Inc. donates 10,000 crowns towards its expenses.

For Winterfest Prizes - White Snake Inc. donates a set of exquisitely crafted bone hair sticks, set with garnets. It also donates to torque bracelet made of silver, set with garnets, that looks like a snake wrapping around the wearer's arm.

Silver Mark Brewing Company, with assistance from Dominion Exports, the Holy Order of Saint Aldwin, and the Business Giving Back Foundation wish to donate the following:

To RhyDin Make a Wish, twelve tickets for box seats at Silver Mark Arena to see the Marketplace Monocerus play. Includes free admission for immediate family, and meal and drink for each person;

To RhyDin Toys for Tots, forty wooden horses, each hand-carved by a Knight of Saint Aldwin, plus sixty assorted toys;

To RhyDin Child's Play Charity, the same selection of toys as for RhyDin Toys for Tots, for children in local hospitals and clinics during the holidays;

For the Yule Ball, four kegs of Silver Mark Christmas Lager;

For the raffle, one cask of Silver Mark Baron's Batch ale, brewed by Silver Mark's master brewer, Alain DeMuer;

Plus casks of assorted ales, wheels of cheese, loaves of bread, and turkeys, available for pickup by needy families at the Silver Mark Brewing Company's brewery in the Temple district throughout the holiday season.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone!

As public relations gal for the House and affiliated companies, Rayvan dropped off the donations for WinterFest with a cheery smile:

For the raffle:

DarkStar Apothecary & Dispensary would like to add a 250 silver gift certificate, good on any goods and services offered by the Apothecary Shop.

Thanatos' Forge will add an elven broadsword, custom crafted by our expert artisans. Value: 1000 silver

For the Toys-For-Tots:

House Faern'elgg'ur would like to donate 300 MyLittleCentaurs, 50 Inter-dimensional Traveler playsets, and 15 Little Dragon playhouses

For Make-A-Wish:

DarkStar Recovery Group would like to sponsor one child, all expenses paid, to receive their wish.

For the Yule Ball:

House Faern'elgg'ur and DarkStar Recovery Group will donate centerpieces for the tables, complete with exotic flowers and greenery native to Faerun and lit by faerie fire. Each piece will be hand designed and crafted by a mage affiliated with House Faern'elgg'ur or DarkStar Recovery Group

For the Yule Ball Shy has crafted a julbock for each table; to be placed near the centerpieces.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii136/NorseLady_photos/julbock.jpg

No Christmas scene is complete without a julbock to stand watch by the Christmas tree and guard the packages under it. This little fellow is made the traditional way with bundled straw and red ribbon. It is approximately 7" tall.

And should the guests wish to take one home ....they are more than welcomed to do so!

The Spaniard arrived in Rhy'din with very few possessions, certainly not the trappings of his wealth and status that would be seen at his hacienda back in his native Spain, or his smaller working sheep ranch in Brazil. In his comings and goings about these lands, though, in the day to day conversations with people here, as well as what was overheard, he was made aware of the impending celebration called Winterfest, and the accompanying auction, and he wished to participate. Not having amassed fortune or abundant possessions since arriving in Rhy'din, ingenuity nevertheless did have him making a contritubution.

One thing of unequalled beauty and incomperable value was the horse upon which he rode onto these lands. Young, virile, strong and gorgeous was the stallion he called Duff, descendant from a carefully bred and controlled bloodline of Andalusians that not only he, but his father before him, had carefully planned and tended to in Spain. The Sabatier line of horses was renouned, unrivalled as exceptional mounts of courage and bravery on the field of battle, loyalty to the men (or women) they carried, gentle when called for by the hands of a child or a woman upon their backs. Intelligent and beautiful, such were the horses they produced. The horses of the Sabatier line were quite simply the best of the Andalusian breed anywhere, true premier Spanish horses, descended throughout antiquity from the Arabian royal mounts raced through the deserts by the shieks of ages past.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk259/ElSabatier/Antonio/Duff.jpg

Antonio therefore gave the Make A Wish Foundation the gift of rides for ten children (separately, unless they were brothers and sisters, whereupon they could ride together) upon the back of his magnificent Andalusian stallion, Duff. The child could take the horse on a ride of his own choosing, if experienced enough to do so, or Antonio would ride with him or her, giving the horse the direction of travel, while the child was safely cocooned in the Spaniard's arms in front of him on the saddle. Being a father of small children himself, and given the gentleness of Duff, such a ride would be completely safe, even if the child had never been on the back of a horse before!

Additionally, he made arrangements to donate, for the Winterfest raffle, the stud services of Duff, to cover the winning bidder's mare and therefore sire her foal. It would be a gift that would result in the birth of an Andalusian-sired horse. Such an animal was a priceless treasure that had been denied to many of Spain's prominent horse breeders who owned mares of great beauty and breeding, reserved for the express heads of kingdoms of the world. Normally, the fee would be private treaty, with live foal guarantee. For this occasion, the Spaniard donated the stud service and offered still the live foal guarantee.

It was a gift worthy of a kingdom of riches!

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk259/ElSabatier/Antonio/hoovesoffire.jpg

"Do you give the horse his might" Do you clothe his neck with a mane" Do you make him leap like the locust" His majestic snorting is terrifying. He paws in the valley and exults in his strength; he goes out to meet the weapons. He laughs at fear and is not dismayed; he does not turn back from the sword. Upon him rattle the quiver, the flashing spear, and the javelin. With fierceness and rage he swallows the ground; he cannot stand still at the sound of the trumpet. When the trumpet sounds, he says 'Aha!' He smells the battle from afar, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting."

Job 39:19-25 English Standard Version (ESV)

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Exerpts from Wikipedia: "The Andalusian, also known as the Pure Spanish Horse or PRE (Pura Raza Espa"ola), is a horse breed developed in the Iberian Peninsula. Its ancestors have been present on the Iberian Peninsula for thousands of years. The Andalusian has been recognized as an individual breed since the 15th century, and its conformation has changed very little over the centuries. Throughout its history, it has been known for its prowess as a war horse, and was prized by the nobility. The breed was used as a tool of diplomacy by the Spanish government, and kings across Europe rode and owned Spanish horses. During the 19th century, warfare, disease and crossbreeding reduced herd numbers dramatically, and despite some recovery in the late 19th century, the trend continued into the early 20th century. Exports of Andalusians were restricted until the 1960s, but the breed has since spread throughout the world, despite still-low population numbers.

Strongly built, and compact yet elegant, Andalusians have long, thick manes and tails. Their most common coat color is gray, although they can be found in many other colors. They are known for their intelligence, sensitivity and docility. The Andalusian is closely related to the Lusitano of Portugal, and has been used to develop many other breeds, especially in Europe and the Americas. Breeds with Andalusian ancestry include many of the warmbloods in Europe as well as western hemisphere breeds such as the Azteca. Over its centuries of development, the Andalusian breed has been selected for athleticism and stamina. The horses were originally used for classical dressage, driving, bullfighting, and as stock horses.

The Andalusian horse is descended from the Iberian horses of Spain and Portugal, and derives its name from its place of origin, the Spanish region of Andalusia. Cave paintings show that horses have been present on the Iberian Peninsula as far back as 20,000 to 30,000 BCE. Throughout history, the Iberian breeds have been influenced by many different peoples and cultures who occupied Spain, including the Celts, the Carthaginians, the Romans, various Germanic tribes and the Moors. The Iberian horse was identified as a talented war horse as early as 450 BCE. Some of the earliest written pedigrees in recorded European history were kept by Carthusian monks, beginning in the 13th century. Because they could read and write, and were thus able to maintain careful records, monastics were given the responsibility for horse breeding by certain members of the nobility, particularly in Spain.

The Iberian horse became known as the "royal horse of Europe" and was seen at many royal courts and riding academies, including those in Austria, Italy, France and Germany. By the 16th century, during the reigns of Charles V (1500"1558) and Phillip II (1556"1581), Spanish horses were considered the finest in the world. Even in Spain, quality horses were owned mainly by the wealthy. During the 16th century, inflation and an increased demand for harness and cavalry horses drove the price of horses extremely high. The always expensive Andalusian became even more so, and it was often impossible to find a member of the breed to purchase at any price."

http://youtu.be/Xa68vJuWkvg