Mount Gambier’s new airport hosted a “Dinner at the Drome” fundraiser recently, raising more than $16,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
The RFDS Mount Gambier Support group, working with major sponsor Bendigo Bank, held the event. The support group’s spokesman Bill Russon said the airport was filled to capacity with 130 people enjoying the “unique atmosphere and supporting the worthy fundraising cause”.
“The new airport facility was turned in to a dining experience with airport staff led by Ian Fritsch and his staff totally clearing the lounge area,” he said. “Jason Scheidl proved the perfect emcee keeping the evening buzzing and singing sisters Al and Em entertained the crowd with their great choice of music.”
Mr Russon said, led by major sponsor Bendigo Bank, local businesses were very generous in donating goods for the silent auction and services for the evening. “A stand-out donation was that of Limestone Coast Party Hire donating all items for the dinner from tables and chairs to red carpet for free,” he said.
“Another feature of the evening was a wine auction, with Vicki Osborne donating wines from her late husband’s cellar. “The sales totalled $8000 which was an amazing result and ably run by David Herbert and his assistant in Trevor Williams who kept the bids flowing.”
Mr Russon said the highlight of the evening was a speech by local doctor Mike Bruorton, which was illustrated both with stunning photos and stories of African wildlife. “It is a subject about which he is clearly passionate and the tales of his times as a ranger in the African wildlife parks were enthusiastically received with the large crowd,” he said.
“An ongoing feature of the evening were the meals produced with style by Shane and Joanne Gabriel of Aero Espresso Café from their small space within the airport and who also were so supportive of the event in terms of providing a magnificent meal at a very reasonable price.
“The whole business community of Mount Gambier was so generous, with committee members Cheryl and Kevin Kemp obtaining many wonderful products for the silent auction, varying from a pallet of Van Schaik’s potting mix and packs of local wines to vouchers to the Barn, Commodore and many local shops.
“A total of $3600 was made from the silent auction alone. “Thanks to the generosity of the community and to the guests at the dinner, the sum raised was expected to be between $16,000 to $18,000 which all goes to the purchase and outfitting of the planes so vital to the service provided by the Flying Doctor. It makes the heart warm to be a part of organising and sharing such a successful event. Well done the Mount Gambier Community.”
