Community rallies for Cystic Fibrosis Ball

MORE than 400 people gathered at GMHBA Stadium on July 27 for the annual Cure Cystic Fibrosis Gala Ball, raising almost $180,000.

The funds will go towards finding a cure for the disease and setting up a grant to help Victorians with Cystic Fibrosis access mental health care.

Cystic Fibrosis Geelong committee chair Leann Tremul said it was a fantastic night and they were very happy with the fundraising result.

“The atmosphere in the room was amazing and I think everyone had a really great time.

“We raised an incredible $117,84, we’re very excited about that in this economic climate, we weren’t expecting to raise that much.”

Cystic Fibrosis patient Ellie-May Jury spoke on the evening, with Ms Tremul saying it was one of the highlights of the event.

“She’s a beautiful, very articulate young lady, there’s wasn’t a dry eye in the room after she spoke,” Ms Tremul said.

Along with the speech, a short film was also played showing the perspective of the mums on the committee and gave parents in the room something to relate to.

Adding to the total fundraising tally was the live auction, which included a donated $6,000 sapphire trilogy ring as the major prize and other items donated by community businesses.

“The Geelong business community’s incredible, how they get behind us and donate items and vouchers, we’re pretty much overwhelmed every year at the amount of support we get,” Ms Tremul said.