Charity’s inaugural fundraiser

Local charity Four Reasons Why has never gone down the path of a major fundraiser before but on May 17 this year they are doing just that with a fundraising luncheon at The Commodore.

The luncheon will not just be a fundraiser but also a chance to share just what the locally focused group does in the community, share the story of its establishment by single mother Trudi Shelton and highlight and thank the businesses and community groups that have been generous supporters of the group’s work.

Four Reasons Why chair Di Ind said it was an exciting initiative, inspired in no small part by the increasing demand on the services and assistance provided by Four Reasons Why,

“We’re dipping out toes in the fundraising area,” Di said. “It is a great opportunity to get some brand notification. A lot of people know what it’s all about, who we are, what we do and who we help but there are still people who don’t.

“The need for help has significantly increased and we don’t want to cut back on the services we’re providing so we’re increasing our fundraising capacity to ensure we can meet the need.”

Four Reasons Why has always relied on the generosity of business, the community and organisations like Stand Like Stone Foundation, as it has never been the beneficiary of State or Federal Government funding.

“We rely wholly and solely on community donations,” Di said.

More details on the May 17 event will be released in the coming weeks but organisers are asking people to save the date so they can be part of the luncheon, which will have a guest speaker, an auction, facilitated by auctioneer Andrew Whan, and a raft of raffles.

“It will be a networking lunch and aa chance to really share what Four Reasons Why is all about,” Di said. “It is really important for people to hear the story behind Trudi (Shelton) setting it all up in 2017 and people can meet our board members.

“It also gives us an opportunity to thank our partners. They don’t do it for the thanks, they do it because they know the need that is there and that they are helping us help others.”

Di has experience in major fundraisers, having been at the coalface of the ac.care Lunch for Homelessness but the inaugural Four Reasons Why luncheon will be a little more low key.

“We need to crawl before we start running,” she said.

Anyone interested in donating items for the raffles or major auction can contact Four Reasons Why by emailing [email protected]

“Our community, in general, is extremely generous and help us out when we ask and we are so grateful for that and believe this event will be no different,” Di said.

The fundraising luncheon has also been timed to fill the coffers ahead of this winter when requests often escalate.