Hundreds of locals attended the 2019 Kempsey Showgirl Ball and Charity Auction at the Slim Dusty Centre and dug deep for charity on the weekend.
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More than $15,000 was raised on the night through auctions and raffles, half of which will go to charity Dolly's Dream with the remainder to be spent improving the seating at the Kempsey Showground.
The event was hosted by the Kempsey Show Society and was an opportunity for the 2019 Kempsey Showgirl, Keely Lawrence, to promote the importance of the Show Society while raising funds for a worthy cause.
"I think the Showgirl Ball is a good tradition to have in the community. While raising money for charities and advertising the Show Society, it can also show young girls the opportunities that are out there if they enter the Showgirl Competition," Keely said.
"I chose Dolly's Dream as my charity because I'm the older sister to three teenagers and it's important to me to make sure they don't feel like there is only one way out if they are being bullied.
"The fact we have raised so much money to give to other causes says a lot about our community."
On the night Oxley MP Melinda Pavey announced that the Kempsey Showground will receive $109,178 to go towards maintenance and restoration of its buildings.
The maintenance works will include replacing the dining hall roof, repairing the trotting stables and removing overgrown camphor laurel trees.
"I'm elated that not only the amount we raised at the ball will be going towards the Showground upgrade but the fact that Melinda Pavey has come on board is incredible," Keely said.
"The grant, along with the money raised, will make the showgrounds a better place."
The Kempsey Show Society would like to thank everyone involved with making the 2019 Kempsey Showgirl Ball and Charity Auction a big success.
Special thanks goes to the Gold Sponsors of the event, Eversons Food Processors, Macleay Options, Kempsey Stock & Land, Eyecare Plus South West Rocks and Coastline Credit Union. The Kempsey Show Society would also like to thank the event's Silver and Bronze Sponsors as well as the many local businesses who contributed.
"I would also like to personally thank the Show Society for helping me organise the night and also to the 2018 Kempsey Showgirl Elizabeth Jackson," Keely said.
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