Bellarine event raises thousands for breast cancer

THE Bellarine Community banded together with a sold-out fundraiser held in support of local Peta Chisholm.

Scotchmans Hill hosted the Pink for Peta event on Wednesday, October 30 as a way of supporting their team member and raising funds for the McGrath Foundation.

Ms Chisholm is presently undergoing treatment for breast cancer after being diagnosed earlier this year.

The event was popular with the community, selling out well in advance and had a waiting list of people hoping to pick up a last-minute ticket.

Schotchmans Hill venue and events manager Ruth Vickers-Willis said it was a fantastic day with beautiful weather.

“People enjoyed a glass of bubbles on arrival and then followed by lunch and gelato from our gelato kart.

Scotchmans Hill set out with the original goal of raising $5,000 for the foundation.

The final count is still under way but it is believed the event has raised more than $9,000.

All money from Pink for Peta will go towards supporting the McGrath Breast Care Nurses who care for individuals and guidance from diagnosis through to treatment.

The event featured a live performance from Wendy Stapleton and her choir, a raffle and life auction full of donated items.

Among the donated items were dinner vouchers, tasting experiences, accommodation and more.

“People were very generous in their donations and the people who actually bid on things at auction were very generous in their bidding,” Ms Vickers-Willis said.

“We had the McGrath Foundation nurse speak, which was wonderful because I think that really encouraged people to dig deep.”

One of the highlights from the day was Ms Chisholm being able to make a short speech and for her to see the amount of support surrounding her.

Moving forward, the winery plans on making the event a yearly occurrence, with many who were in attendance this year wanting to make sure they were on the list for 2025.