A whopping $5,500 was raised in the name of two causes close to the hearts of those in attendance at a fundraiser held at the Blighty Hotel.
It was held last Friday night with proceeds raised split between the Children’s Tumour Foundation on behalf of Blighty youngster Eddie Marshall and the Brain Cancer Foundation on behalf of Kim Brown.
An amazing 107 people booked in for dinner and then danced the night away to live music from Broken Hill band Reflections.
In between sets from the band the crowd was entertained by renowned whip cracker Nathan ‘Whippy’ Griggs, who was very interactive and engaging.
The raffle was well supported by local businesses and was a big contributor to funds raised.
Blighty Hotel manager Gina Tanoa said the evening was “such a success”.
“It was a fantastic family event filled with community spirit.
“During the evening it was heart warming to see Adam Marshall speak on behalf of his son Eddie’s journey (who suffers from Neurofibromatosis type 1).
“And my mum Tracy Walker spoke on behalf of my sister Kim Brown’s journey with terminal brain cancer.
“Kim has just completed a 2km walk for brain cancer and these funds will be added to what she has raised”.
In an effort to raise even more money, local businessman John Creenaune offered to shave his beard if the crowd could raise $1000.
When the total came to $1880, Ash Bain and hotel cook Regan Wright said they would also sacrifice their beards and body hair if another $120 could be raised.
Mr Wright and Mr Bain both lost their beards in front of the crowd on the night, with Mr Bain going the extra mile and having his head and chest shaved as well.
Mr Creenaune will continue growing his beard until the next fundraiser, which at this stage is planned for March.