Team Monica Hayes target back-to-back sellouts

PORTARLINGTON’S biggest motor neuron disease fundraiser is returning to Pier Front Pizzeria next month raising money for MND research.

Team Monica Hayes co-ordinator Geoff Fary, whose wife died from MND in 2016, said he hopes this year’s fundraising dinner on July 12 will be a bigger success than last year.

“The people who came along had a really good time last year and that’s a massive credit to owners John and Erin Geracitano, who were super gracious hosts,” Mr Fary said.

“We’ve managed to keep prices the same as last year, despite inflation, it’s $50 for the three-course meal on the night with drinks at bar prices.

“It will provide the bulk of our funding to our efforts this year.”

Mr Fary confirmed Bellarine Smokehouse owner Jason Smith and Bellarine Distillery’s Russell Watson will join himself, Mick Doyle, Darren Hellmann, and Greg Hughes in this year’s Daniher’s Drive from October 12-15.

“We’re extremely happy to have Jason and Russell joining us this year,” Mr Fary said.

“We met at a social gathering in Portarlington last year and we’ll make the trip travelling through Swan Hill, Shepparton and Creswick later this year.”

Mr Smith said he had a friend in New Zealand that suffered from motor neuron disease and lost his mother to pancreatic cancer.

He says joining Team Monica Hayes this year is a way to give something back.

“It’s just a really good cause and I’ve seen the first-hand effects of the disease,” he said.

“What Team Monica Hayes is doing is also right on our front doorstep here on the Bellarine, so I thought why not?

“When push comes to shove, there aren’t many barriers to stop the Bellarine community from helping one another.”

Mr Smith and Mr Russell will complete Daniher’s Drive in Smith’s 2017 GT Ford Mustang.

To book a place at Team Monica Hayes’ Fundraising Dinner email Geoff Fary at [email protected]

To donate, head to www.danihers.fightmnd.org.au/team-monica-hayes