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THE “I Will Survive” family fun day fundraiser at Club Narooma on Saturday was a huge success with about $28,000 raised.
The fun day was the brainchild of local lass Jess Bourke who was diagnosed with breast cancer one day after her 28th birthday.
Jess’s treatment has involved a bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and on-going medication.
It was during her ordeal that Jess decided to form the “I Will Survive” committee to help raise awareness of women’s cancers.
Since forming the committee has worked tirelessly this year holding a number of events to raise awareness of women’s cancers and to raise money to donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNF).
Saturday’s “I Will Survive” Family Fun Day at Club Narooma was the pinnacle of the committee’s work and the day hailed a huge success that was well attended.
“The day has been extremely well supported by local businesses and the entire community,” Jess said.
“There were so many people that donated and helped - way too many people to thank individually. If I did that we’d be here until Christmas.”
Club Narooma was a mass of pink balloons, with plenty for the children to do including a jumping castle, face-painting, lucky dips and lollies.
There were pink pastry, donuts, lamingtons, cupcakes and sugared almonds donated by Bodalla Bakery for sale.
The few remaining boob and bra pots created by Narooma High School art teacher Jenni Bourke were also on sale.
Jenni created the pots especially to help raise funds for the “I Will Survive” family fun day.
Other fundraising activities included – buy a balloon with every balloon winning a prize; a quilt raffle won by Maya Mildwater; a silent auction and a big auction at the end of the day.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was the haircuts. Amy Lee Negus, daughter of Dalmeny Kianga Rural Fire Brigade captain Greg Hill offered to have her head shaved by the highest bidder and that bidder ended up being her dad who paid $400 dollars to shave his Amy Lee’s head.
“This is my chance to get her back for all those years growing up,” he said.
Amy Lee who looks fantastic with her new short hair told everyone, “When you see me with my shaved head, remember to check your boobs!”
Next hair cut to go up for auction was Maeve Hatton, whose long brown locks reached her bottom.
Maeve offered to have 30cm of her hair trimmed off to go towards making a wig.
Sammee McCarthy bid $500 on behalf of Cadgee Concrete and Maeve’s hair had 30cm measured up and cut off.
Jess had also organised a number of guest speakers including her breast cancer nurse Jen Dalton from Canberra, local community health nurses Kylie and Sue, as well as a speaker from the Moruya Oncology Unit.
Entertainment on the day was provided by local musician Glenn Mood in the morning and local band Thundergoose comprising of Joe Cox on vocals, Tom Mullins quitar, Shane Monohan on Bass and Luke Keft on drums got things pumping in the afternoon.