Kempsey Cancerians to reach milestone with Million Dollar Night

The committee formed 32 years ago and in that time has raised $982,000 for cancer research.

The ovarian cancer research lab at St Vincent's Hospital and a cancer laboratory at Westmead Hospital are just two of the many hospitals that have benefited from the group's fundraising efforts over the years.

Kay Irvine, Helen Packwood and Alison Mavin are three of the longest serving members of the committee and said reaching the milestone of one million dollars is amazing.

"It's a really big achievement, we're just really excited for the night," Kay said.

"It's just fantastic, the Kempsey community really gives it their all and shows their generosity," Helen said.

All of the money raised each year goes directly to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and helps aid cancer research around Australia.

"Last year one of the grants went towards x-ray machines that can detect melanoma," Alison said.

This $9.9 million dollar grant helped to establish fifteen diagnostic skin scanners to improve the early detection of melanoma across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.

"All of the money that's raised at the event goes into research."

The theme for this year's gala dinner is the Million Dollar Night and will feature an auction, raffle, guest speakers and good food and music.

Some of the many items up for auction on the night include a handmade quilt by Cheryl Filby, a NRL jersey signed by Greg Inglis and Sam Burgess, one night accommodation at the Ramada Resort and a golf voucher at Port Stephens, a 2015 limited edition Holden watch, a voucher at the Kempsey Macleay RSL Club, an oil painting by Gordon Rossiter and many more.

"We really want people to have a good time and a fun night," Alison said.

The milestone of one million dollars is a huge achievement and will be one for the committee to celebrate.

"We're going to be very excited on the night when we get to one million dollars, it's going to be incredible," Helen said.

The three women are confident the new members involved in the Kempsey Cancerians will continue the legacy of the longest running Cancerian fundraising committee in the country.

"The young members in the committee are focused on progress and want to continue the work," Kay said.

"We feel confident we can step back and hand it over to them," Helen added.

The Million Dollar Night will be held at the Kempsey Macleay RSL Club on Saturday May 25.

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