1 world record, 2,050 ladybug collectibles, $2,010 for charity

It was 1967 when Sheri Gartner's obsession with ladybugs began.

That year, the Lakewood resident received a tea set from her mother decorated with painted-on ladybugs.

Over the years her collection hatched into 2,050 ladybug-related items, most of which occupy their own room.

And 41 years after she started, Guinness World Records has recognized Gartner's as the largest collection of ladybug-related items in the world.

Her bugs trounce the previous record of about 900 items, which was held by someone in Germany.

More Coverage Video Sheri Gartner's ladybug collectibles

"It is slam-dunk for the good old USA," said Gartner, a substitute teacher for school districts 47, 155 and 158.

Gartner has been collecting the items for decades, but in August she decided to do so as a fundraiser for Turning Point shelter for domestic violence survivors.

After touring the Turning Point emergency shelter in Woodstock, she was touched and thinks of her efforts as something for the "ladies in our community who sometimes have to have hard shells," she said.

Her project, described as "fun and uplifting," raised roughly $2,010 through pledges, said Jane Farmer, the shelter's executive director.

That amount is nearly enough to run the 27-year-old shelter for two full days, she said -- it costs $1,125 for a full day of operations.

The shelter is the only such institution in the county.

"It was just a really creative and exciting idea to raise some money," Farmer said. "What better way to help women and children by a passion that she had in collecting ladybugs?"

Gartner collected pledges from 30 friends and volunteers who helped her to count, catalog and document her collection. She also tallied up the items before two witnesses.

Among the items they counted: a ladybug bathed in Swarovski crystals, a ladybug lipstick holder and her ladybug Christmas tree ornaments.

Unfortunately, it may be some time before you see her record in print or on the Internet.

According to the confirmation letter, the certification doesn't guarantee automatic entry into the Guinness Book of World Records or on its Web site.

Still, officials did welcome her "to the very select club of Guinness World Records holders."

For more information about Turning Point or if you'd like to make a donation to the shelter, visit mchenrycountyturning point.org/donate.html.