Quinn's Place Carnival could become annual event, says organizer

It was an effort that started small, but a Quinn's Place organizer says the charitable efforts will continue for years.

Adam Stead says the Quinn's Place Carnival fundraiser that ran on Saturday afternoon is likely to take place again in years to come as the group he spearheads expands their community efforts.

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"We think it's something that we can definitely bring to other community events, again, to raise awareness against domestic abuse and family violence," he said on Saturday.

Saturday's carnival, featuring face painting, music, live auctions and children's games, is raising money for the group's expanding efforts to build in the community.

The goal for the event is to raise $25,000 — about as much as all the fundraising so far.

Stead started with the idea of a memorial playground, but now is now looking to expand the Iris Kirby House and set up a lasting student bursary.

"This is not just going to stop here today, this is going to go much much further from a long time," he said.

Moved to act

Stead, a father himself, says he was moved to action after he heard of Quinn Butt's death in Carbonear in April.

The 5-year-old's body was found in a burning house on April 24. Her father, Trent Butt, has since been charged with first-degree murder.

Stead didn't know the family before, but says he felt he needed to do something.

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"I just woke up, just like so many people, and heard the tragic story, and wanted to get involved somehow."

Despite the tragic circumstances, he says that Saturday's carnival is a celebration of Quinn's whole life.

"Every community group has come on so big for this," he said. "It really just shows how from something so horrible, something so good can happen."

Community buy-in

One of the volunteers at Saturday's event was Andrea Nichol, a face-painter.

Like Stead, she says the story of Quinn Butt's death hits particularly hard.

"I have a five year old who's going to be going to Kindergarten come September, So I think the age range and everything really touched me."

She says the enthusiasm surrounding the fundraiser have been impressive.

"It's definitely a great event, and there was a lot of thought and care put into it."