$15k raised on Gratitude Day

HEATHCOTE residents packed the RSL Hall last Sunday to show their appreciation for local emergency services and to help raise vital funds.

More than $15,000 was raised and will be divided between the organisations.

At the end of an afternoon of entertainment from local artists, raffles and a silent auction, members of Heathcote Masonic Lodge made a special presentation of a cheque for $10,000.

“We were very happy to be able to make this donation to assist the two most important groups in our town,” said lodge secretary Gus Martonhelyi.

“The Freemasons have long been a part of this community, and we wanted to express our gratitude to the SES and CFA.

“Two thousand dollars was contributed by our Lodge and eight thousand by Freemasons Foundation Victoria.”

 

Event organiser Maree Hingston said she was overwhelmed by the attendance and generosity.

“We had more than 200 people attend,” said Hingston.

“The feeling throughout the day was that everyone who came along was very supportive of our aim to raise as much as we could for our emergency services.

“There was a true sense of the community coming together for the cause.

“People came with open hearts and open wallets, queued to buy raffle tickets, supported the silent auction and donated towards the lunch provided by the community house.

“As well as volunteers from Mudbrick Motley and RSL, many others gave up their day to assist with selling raffle tickets, helping in the kitchen and packing up at the end of the day.

 

“Heathcote Masonic Lodge shocked us all at the end of the day.

“As organisers, we are very grateful for such an overwhelming gesture of goodwill and community leadership.

“All in all, the event was a huge success.”

Attendee Sandra Fox said it was a great day.

“There was a fantastic vibe throughout the room,” she said.

“I’m moving away and have my house on the market. It almost makes me want to stay.”

Brenda Rodgers, who moved to Heathcote last year, said she thoroughly enjoyed the program.

“It has all been very entertaining and I love the community feel,” she said.

 

Rodgers attended with her friend Shari Gurdev. “I particularly enjoyed the girl playing the guitar and the Flukes, playing ukulele, were terrific,” said Gurdev.

“It was great to hear so many music artists and Michael Carroll reading his poetry was a lovely surprise.”

Heathcote CFA and SES member Peter Duncan said both organisations were overwhelmed by the generosity shown.

“Ironically, people have donated hoping they never need us,” he said.

“With so many great causes both here in Heathcote and throughout the world, we are grateful so many people decided we are worthy of supporting so generously.

“We are humbled and very grateful to everyone who helped to organise the event, turned up and donated. We won’t forget.”

Donations are still being accepted at givenow.com.au/heathcotegratitudeday