When drama teacher Paul Collins put out a call for sponsorship of trophies for the Regional Shakespeare Festival little did he realise it would be answered so close to home.
Lincoln Paul of Whanganui read the article in the Chronicle and thought it would be a lovely way to remember his wife Cynthia.
"She was the head of English at Whanganui Girls' College and she was involved in the festival while at the school," said Mr Lincoln.
"She had a real love of language and I can think of no better way to remember her legacy and give to the next generation," he said.
Mr Collins asked for sponsorship of several trophies which had been made out of busts of Shakespeare bought in Britain with Wanganui Turners and Woodcraft Group making the bases.
All that was needed was sponsors to cover the cost.
Mr Collins, who teaches drama at Girls' College, is delighted with Mr Lincoln's idea and the response in general.
"When I put the call out I had no idea what the response would be. I had three responses by lunchtime of the day the article had gone in the newspaper.
"Thank you Wanganui Chronicle and the people of Whanganui."
The other sponsors are Donald Trott, executive chairman of the New Zealand Opera School and AmDram Theatre. The cost of the trophies was about $150 each.
The trophies will be given to the winners at the regional festival, held at the school on April 2.