Project crowd funder a success

MORE than sixty-five-thousand dollars have been pledged to three local charities following the Pitch Up Ballarat event held last week.

Hosted by the Ballarat Foundation, the event saw representatives from Ballarat Men’s Mental Health, the Ballarat Foundation Housing Support Fund, and Eureka Mums present their projects to an audience for backing

Attendees could choose to pledge funds for any of the three pitches, and Ballarat Foundation CEO Andrew Eales said the amount raised is more than they anticipated.

“We are really appreciative of the great support the community has shown through the inaugural Pitch Up Ballarat event,” he said.

“To raise more than $65,000 exceeded our expectations and will help these three charities having a greater impact in the Ballarat community.”

Each presenter was given six minutes to talk about their project, how the funds would be used, and the benefit to the community.

Eureka Mums, which provides nursery equipment and clothes for babies and children and was pledged over $21,000.

That pitch was presented by Tamara Maddrell and she said the donations will ensure their efforts are expanded.

“The funds we have received from this event will reduce our waiting list and enable us to explore the donation drop off points for us in the community,” she said.

“The generosity will ensure that even more babies and children will be able to receive essential items to ensure a secure start in life.

“We are proud to be supporting social workers and maternal child health nurses and the tireless work they do in the community and look forward to reaching even more families.”

The event was hosted by ABC Radio Melbourne Afternoon host Jacinta Parsons and had a goal of $60,000.

Ballarat Men’s Mental Health received more than $25,000 and Ballarat Foundation Housing Support Fund got more than $19,000.