Inaugural Bells luncheon raises over $30,000

THE inaugural fundraising event ventured into by Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club and Torquay Boardriders took place on April 1 with more than $30,000 raised.

The luncheon held at the Jan Juc Life Saving clubhouse sold out with a capacity of 150 guests in attendance.

Titled ‘Bells from a Local Perspective’, the event honoured the long history of the Rip Curl Pro: Bells Beach competition, as well as the community’s connection to surfing.

With the sun shining over the Jan Juc coastline, the luncheon marked the beginning of a burgeoning relationship between the two local clubs as well as the beginning of new staple event on both social calendars.

Special guests on the day included tennis star Mark Philippoussis, Rip Curl Pro: Bells Beach runner-up Adam Robertson as well as 10-time champion Gail Couper.

Thanks to generous donations from club members, local businesses and the community, the luncheon generated more than $35,000.

Prior the luncheon the Boardriders club relied solely on memberships to get them through financially following the cancellation of the last two Bells surfboard raffles.

The proceeds from the fundraising event are anticipated to go towards a new van and to continue to drive junior development at the club.

Boardriders treasurer Peter Mann said the two clubs together were able to form a ground-breaking and unique partnership.

“In my 15 years as treasurer this has been the most phenomenal event we have ever run, and the much-needed funds can now be used for the benefit of all members,” he said.

The Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club will use its profits to purchase and upgrade essential life saving equipment.

Both clubs are planning on returning with the luncheon event in 2022.