Thousands raised at inaugural golf day

A FULL contingent of golfers has chipped in for the fight against motor neurone disease (MND) during an inaugural charity golf day in Portarlington.

Local charity team Team Monica Hayes hosted 72 golfers and 92 guests in total for its first Charity Golf Day last Friday at Portarlington Golf Club, raising funds for FightMND.

Team Monica Hayes member Darren Hellmann confirmed over $4,000 was raised on the day by way of registrations and donations, all of which will go to the team’s Daniher’s Drive total.

Team leader Geoff Fary said the golf day was an excellent event and everybody in attendance really enjoyed themselves.

“Terry Daniher, who headlined the day during the event’s lunch portion, was a delight, he’s always a great raconteur,” Mr Fary said.

“He spoke at considerable length during the lunch about his football career, his time on the family farm in the Riverina area, and of course his brother Neale’s battle and spreading awareness about motor neurone disease.

“He was still there interacting with guests when I left. I think he thoroughly enjoyed himself and the day objectively was a great event.”

The $4,000 boost to the team’s fundraising total this year puts it at over $16,000 raised, and over $150,000 since Team Monica Hayes was first formed.

Daniher’s Drive will be returning in 2023 on Thursday, October 12 as Team Monica Hayes and hundreds of other vehicles travel through Swan Hill, Shepparton, and Creswick to support regional communities.

The Drive concludes on Sunday, October 15.

The Drive has also raised over $700,000 this year alone, with Team Monica Hayes sitting just outside the top 10 fundraising teams.

To donate to Team Monica Hayes, head to danihers.fightmnd.org.au/team-monica-hayes