Foundation windfall handed over

THE developing relationship between the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West and the Stand Like Stone Foundation took another step this year with almost $17,000 raised in what is an annual wine auction with the 2025 windfall handed over earlier this month.

The relationship was coordinated by Neville Gilbertson when the Downs family donated long standing member, former president and Paul Harris Fellow, the late Warwick Downs, substantial red wine collection following his 2021 Christmas Day passing.

It has seen the club host a win auction every year with the proceeds were earmarked to supplement an existing Sub Fund, the L M Woodruff Memorial Scholarship, which provides scholarships to assist students identifying with the Limestone Coast undertake a nursing career at any level.

This seemed like a perfect fit, with Warwick, always keen for the formation of a local community foundation, his wife Robyn being a former nurse and the wine stock, providing the perfect conduit for further community assistance.

A fabulous celebration was organised by the Stand Like Stone Foundation for its 20th anniversary, which was attended by the members, supporters and community of the Limestone Coast, with the auction forming part of the milestone event.

Experienced vigneron and auctioneer David Herbert was at his skilful best, encouraging $16,390 of investments, from the assembled patrons, for the L M Woodruff Memorial Scholarship held within the Stand Like Stone Foundation.