Radio Lollipop Special Guest, Milana Tornatore, also known as Purplena the Face Painting Fairy, recently held a ‘fairy’ special event to launch her new book, ‘My Best Friend is a Fairy’. The gorgeous book is the first in a series of children’s books for young girls. For each book sold in the month of September, Purplena has kindly offered to donate a percentage to Radio Lollipop.
Purplena is a long-time friend of Radio Lollipop and has visited Radio Lollipop Gold Coast a number of times over the past few years. Purplena’s visits to the ward are always very special. Purplena not only brings beautiful face painting for the children to enjoy, but she has an ability to create an atmosphere to connect with each child and make them feel special. Purplena takes the time to talk to every child and sprinkle some ‘get well fairy dust’ to help them feel better.
Not only does she paint the children’s faces in the Radio Lollipop studio but she takes time to fly around the ward to paint the faces of children who are too unwell to get out of bed. This is a very positive experience for those who are often feeling so sick.
At the launch a $150 donation was presented to Radio Lollipop Director, Sandra Ursino OAM and Miriam Swanborough, a Radio Lollipop Volunteer, explained a bit about Radio Lollipop and Purplena’s very special visits to the wards at Gold Coast Hospital. ‘My Best Friend is a Fairy’ was presented to a number of young girls at the launch who Purplena has gotten to know over the years she’s been face painting at Dreamworld. One young girl uses a walking frame and Purplena told the beautiful story of how her Dad used to take her to Dreamworld to visit Purplena. All day he’d tell her, ‘I think Purplena is over here?’ or, ‘Maybe she’s over there?’ to get his daughter to walk the distance around the park to get her exercise for the day. Purplena was nowhere to be found until the end of the day when she got her special visit to Purplena as well as her face painted beautifully with the design of her choice. This was the highlight of her trip to Dreamworld and Purplena is truly making a difference in so many lives and we’re thankful she has chosen to share her talents and give some of her time to the children at Radio Lollipop too.
Congratulations on your new book Purplena and thank you so much for your ongoing support of Radio Lollipop – your love for the kids, your caring nature and your giving heart. We hope you will return to visit the children at Radio Lollipop as special guest soon, to colour up the ward and to sprinkle some more of your ‘get-well fairy dust’.
For more information about Purplena the Face Painting Fairy visit The Face Painting Company Website
To purchase ‘My Best Friend is a Fairy’ visit Amazon.com
Photo: L-R Sandra Ursino, Milana Tornatore and Miriam Swanborough