Total raises the roof
The Mid West community has been labelled “heartwarming” by the organisers of the Mitchell & Brown Midwest Charity Begins at Home Gala Dinner, after an estimated $800,000 was raised.
The seventh annual gala dinner was held on Saturday night and raised funds for the charity through ticket sales and a live auction. Midwest Charity Begins at Home president Chris Dobson said she was overwhelmed by the generosity.
“It’s truly mind-blowing seeing how much the community has raised for their own people, ” she said.
“It’s inspiring to see people donating money and their time without even blinking an eye.
“We received donations for the auction up until the day before.
“We couldn’t have achieved as much as we did without the help of our volunteers who ran around like crazy people ensuring the night went off without a hitch.”
Geraldton Heights Estate and Redink Homes Midwest were to thank for a big portion of the fundraising total, donating a house and land package for the first time.
The package was scheduled for auction last month, but sold prior for $550,000. General manager of Redink Homes Midwest Peter Bisby said he was happy every cent from the sale of the home would go to locals in need.
“We are really pleased with the price, ” he said.
“We approached the charity about building the home because we wanted to be involved in the wonderful work they do.”
The sold-out event saw about 420 people dressed in their finest and ready to have fun and dig deep.
A live auction by Tiny Holly saw some big ticket items go under the hammer including an 18ct white and rose gold ring with an Abrolhos Island black pearl from Latitude Pearls which went for $17,000.
MC Peter FitzSimons kept guests entertained with his jokes and his interest in the Mid West, as well as his desire to return with his wife Lisa Wilkinson.
Geraldton band Hester kept guests dancing and singing to the latest hits and some of the classics until the early hours of the morning. Ms Dobson said the money raised would help local families suffering financial hardship due to serious illness.
“We have helped more than 60 families over the past six years and this money will help us to help additional struggling families, ” she said.
“In previous years we have run out of money before the next gala dinner, but this extra money will help us pass that hurdle.”
Anyone who would like to apply for assistance from Midwest Charity Begins at Home is asked to visit http://www.charitybeginsathome.org.au/
