The tenth annual Macleay Valley Coast Diabetes Group's Dia-Bete It Party Fundraiser went off without a hitch last Saturday night and group president Scott Welsh insists a big part of that is due to the overwhelming support from the community.
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"The sponsors, the guests who attend each year, we are very grateful for all the support we receive from the Macleay community and businesses," he said.
"Amcal Pharmacy, Macleay Valley Veterinary services, O'Donnell and Hanlon, David and Belinda Parkinson from Impakt Taxation and Accounting Solutions have all been on board from day one."
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Tickets for the event sold out fast, and many raffle and auction prizes were won on the night, including a one-day cap signed by David Warner, and a signed men's and women's Australian rugby 7s.
"Carlos Peters from L.J. Hooker did the auction; we had a bit of everything, paintings, a signed Wests Tigers NRL jersey, an Iron Jack Fire Pit, a ladies rose gold ring, a Kempsey Cup race day prize," Scott said.
"This wouldn't happen without all the volunteers who have devoted their time, Sonya Murhpy, she is my right-hand women, I don't think any of this would get done without her, Gail burns, and even my dad helps out, I think he would have sold nearly 50 000 tickets over the years."
"The total amount raised is still being tallied, but the initial estimates put it at more than $35 000, net profit. The group has raised thousands of dollars and helped improve the lives of locals for years, but Scott is hoping the events will also raise awareness for the disease.
"We try not to get too caught up in setting a money target; it's more about raising awareness, and doing something for the community," he said.
"I'd estimate we had close to 300 people turn up on Saturday, and there has been great feedback, haven't heard a bad word yet.
"Everything we raise stays in the local community; we try our best to give back and keep everything local, I don't believe in sending away donations.
"Since starting the group, we have hosted two local camps for juveniles managing diabetes, taken kids to the Gold Coast and Manly, put several diabetes pumps on kids valued at $10,000 each and also had up to 30 adults on Libre Freestyle Sensors."
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