This year’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea Mount Gambier made a splash as host Karen Petersen raised more money than ever for Cancer Council Australia in her three years of hosting the fundraiser.
The sold out event raised over $11,000 for Cancer Council Australia with around 135 guests in attendance at the Blue Lake Bar and Bistro last Friday.
The fundraiser included a trading table in honour of Peter Bayre, raffles, silent auction items, a wine wall, morning tea, lucky door prizes, a lucky dip and a guest speaker.
Ms Petersen said Elysia Flavel from the Cancer Council SA prevention and advocacy team spoke to those gathered about the support available for country patients.
“I think it was great to have her in the room just to talk to the ladies and talk about what support is available out there for regional patients because a lot of regional patients have to travel up to Adelaide,” she said.
“We have the new facility at Greenhill Lodge which country patients can utilise and it was important to hear what they can offer with not only accommodation but meals, support services, counsellors, there’s a bit of everything that Cancer Council SA can offer to regional patients.
“Sadly, we are all still touched by cancer so it was important for people to listen to what support is out there for anyone going through treatment or being the support person for the person going through treatment and having to travel to Adelaide.
“Normally we are not lucky enough to get someone in the room but I thought it was important just to have that message and to hear from someone about where the money goes as well.”
Ms Petersen said the incredible amount raised was due to the generosity of attendees, businesses and hard working committee members.
“I have been the host for three years and I am pleased to say that this year was our biggest total, we have raised over $11,000 at this point to report, it is fantastic and very overwhelming,” she said.
“We are still counting money and donations that have been pledged online so we are hoping to have a final tally by the end of the week.
“I think we do live in a very generous community, I thought the money might be a little bit down this year because of the cost of living but it just goes to show that with everyone affected by cancer, on a day like that everybody comes along with the money in their pockets to give.
“I find it really overwhelming to raise that amount of money in the environment we are currently living in.
“I want to thank obviously my committee, family and friends, business houses and my brother for hosting the event at the Blue Lake Bar and Bistro.
“I think sadly we need to keep raising money for research, support and prevention because it is still out there in the community and I do not think anyone can say they have not been touched by cancer.”
