Fashion & fundraising

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural Ladies on the Lawn, the Stand Like Stone fundraiser, facilitated by the Penola Coonawarra Sub Fund, again raised more than $5000 for the community foundation.

The Penola Coonawarra Sub Fund committee work in conjunction with ‘Salt and Co Living’ owner Robyn Wittwer to create afternoon, where Salt and Co’s new winter fashions were modelled by seven local ladies.

Event organiser Janet Brodie said Robyn generously donated 209 per cent of Salt and Co’s takings from the afternoon to Stane Like Stone.

“Robyn is a fantastic supporter of Stand like Stone and of the progress and success of our beautiful town,” Janet said. “Robyn’s attention to detail and to the success of ‘Ladies on the Lawn’ are critical to this beautiful event.”

The fashion focus was perfectly complemented by the delicious offerings of Alice Cooney of ‘Cooney & Co Catering’, providing delicious grazing boxes, cakes and coffee for the afternoon and donating a portion of her takings to the fundraiser.

Local wineries were also generous, donating wines to the afternoon, which were available to purchase by the glass.

“The generosity of local businesses was equally overwhelming,” Janet said. “Businesses really acknowledged the positive impact the Stand Like Stone Foundation has in our region with their amazing donations to the event.

“We were able to have three wonderful raffle prizes filled with a variety of experience vouchers, wines, gin and other beautiful local products.

“Stunning flowers were donated to be made into bouquets and posies for gifting and sale.”

The set up for the event, including tables, chairs, umbrellas and glasses, were all generously provided by local business and community groups.

“While being about an enjoyable afternoon celebrating women – as with all the events our local Stand Like Stone committee organises, there are more layers,” Janet said.

“Our movie nights at the Coonawarra Hall, Recycled Fashion Pop-Ups and other events are about bringing community together, which is so good for wellbeing and positive mental health.

“We are also raising money that stays in our community by way of the Stand Like Stone Foundation’s charitable grants, educational scholarships and Back to School vouchers.”

She said the committee was built on the foundation’s stated mission – to build on the generosity of spirit within our community and promote investment in the Limestone Coast for lasting impact.

The next local Stand Like Stone event to support and enjoy is a Cabaret Night on Saturday, May 11, which is a fundraiser for Corey O’Connor.

Corey is this year’s Penola Coonawarra dancer for ‘Swinging with the Stars’. As well as dancing up a storm, Corey is raising funds which will stay in our community.

Tickets for the Cabaret are $20 and are available from Penola High School, phone (08)8738 0000.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGIA PAIGE PHOTOGRAPHY