Memorabilia auctionraises funds for RCH appeal

PIZZERIA Montana and staff held a very successful fundraiser last week in aid of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

The event raised $11,068, which was added to the Heathcote Fire Brigade’s collection efforts.

“It was an awesome feeling to present the cheque to Gary and Jim from our local CFA to add to Heathcote’s total,” Pizzeria Montana owner Andrew Papas said.

“I would like to thank everyone who attended for their generous donations and successful auction bids.

“We reached our goal, and we are inspired to smash the total and make it even higher next year.”

Mr Papas admitted he was a little nervous before the event.

“I really wanted it to be a success,” he said. “On the night it was euphoric to be in the room and the result speaks for itself. As well as the CFA members who attended, there were many people from Heathcote and 25 people came up from Melbourne, friends of mine and my family.

“It was great, and they came with generous pockets.”

Among the lots up for auction were items from Mr Papas’s own collection of memorabilia, including items he bought from other charity auctions.

“It was good to see them used to raise funds for such a worthy cause,” he said.

Mr Papas was previously involved with a group of distributors that raised more than $650,000 for various charities before disbanding.

“Gary George and Jim Staggard came to me last year and asked if I would put a collection tin on my counter,” he said. “I was a little embarrassed at the total and added a cheque when they came to collect it. And I decided to do more for this year.

“I wanted to inspire my adult children so they in turn could teach their children to be aware of helping others.

“They all came to me after the auction and told me they can’t wait for next year and will help smash this year’s total.

“I didn’t do it alone. My suppliers Bertocchi Smallgoods, Floridia Cheese, Marchetti Fine Foods and All Food Distributors all chipped in.

“And my staff were amazing. Each one donated three hours of their time to help on the night and they deserve a big thank you.”

The business will hold a similar event next year and has already had offers of help and donations of auction items.

“I would like to run another event in October for the Cancer 4 Kids charity,” Mr Papas said. “Those kids don’t deserve what they go through, and it will be great to do something to help.”