Remember Me held its second annual event in Seymour on Friday, September 27, at the Seymour Racecourse.
Last year, the event raised funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, but this year it planned to go local, donating proceeds to Lower Hume Palliative Care.
Remember Me member Linda O’Sullivan said the idea to support Lower Hume Palliative Care came because Remember Me committee’s close friend Sarah Locke died of cancer two years ago.
“She was somebody who used to go to a fundraising event very similar to this,” Ms O’Sullivan said.
“That inspired us to do something likely.
“Our friend Sarah was very, very keen to be involved in starting something up like this.”
Remember Me decided to donate locally in order to support more people with different health issues who need care, instead of focusing on just cancer patients.
“We just thought if we kept it local, so many people in the community, not just people with cancer, can have palliative care,” Ms O’Sullivan said.
“It (money) will stay in the local community, and more of the money will go directly to that particular charity.”
The day started with drinks and snacks at WIne X Sam in Anzac Ave, followed by a parade to Seymour Racecourse, where everyone was offered themed drinks at arrival, welcomed by the Remember Me committee.
“We are having a long lunch and we have got lots and lots of raffle prizes and we've got a silent auction,” Ms O’Sullivan said.
Ms O’Sullivan said the committee approached Goulburn Options and Darren Gilbert to get involved with the fundraiser and produce a piece of art that interpreted ‘the heart of the community’.
“Yea artist Darren Gilbert has made our sculpture, which is The Heart of the Community,” she said.
“Local Goulburn Options, we approached them, and we said, ‘can you come up with a piece of art that is the heart of the community, what is your interpretation of what community means to you?’
“We’ve got the painting there, so that will be in a silent auction.”
About 178 people attended the event, raising about $20,000 for Lower Hume Palliative Care.
Remember Me also acquired different merchandise to sell to raise profits for the fundraiser.
“We’ve got merchandise to sell, and we've also had wine labels made that are on our bottles of wine,” Ms O’Sullivan said.
Ms O’Sullivan said the committee was very grateful to all who supported its cause.
“We’re very, very grateful for your attendance, and for your support of the charity and the fundraiser,” she said.