The 32nd Kempsey Cancerian Ball on Saturday night was a special occasion for the community but even more so for the founding members of the Kempsey Cancerian Committee as they reached $1 million raised.
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Helen Packwood along with Kay Irvine and Alison Mavin are three of the longest serving members of the Committee and said reaching the milestone of one million dollars is an amazing effort and achievement.
"I'm just honoured to be a part of this community. They are amazing for raising this amount of money," Helen said.
"It's been a goal of ours to reach the one million dollar milestone and to get there is incredible."
When the total amount raised ticked over on Saturday night to the magic $1 million mark there were some tears of joy from the founding members.
"It was very emotional, especially for us who started all those years ago and those who have lost loved ones because of cancer," Helen said.
"Everyone was ecstatic and the room was clapping and cheering, it was a special moment."
Local born makeup artist Chris King has been involved in the Kempsey Cancerian Ball in the past and was there on Saturday to do the hostesses makeup for the event.
David Simon who organised the first ball was also there on Saturday night.
"David was over the moon on the night, he couldn't believe how much the Committee had raised over the years."
"It was great to have people there who have been involved for many years there on Saturday, it made it even more special."
The founding members of the Committee are confident the younger members will continue the tradition.
"In my case I think I'm still going to continue to be involved with the Committee but maybe on the back burner though. The younger ones are doing a great job and the support from the community will continue which is great.
"It's fabulous to see the enthusiasm from the committee members and the community."
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