By Casey Neill
Greater Dandenong businesses raised about $40,000 to help locals in need.
SEBN manager Sandra George said the final figure could be higher, with calculations following the Monday 26 February event at Settler’s Run Golf and Country Club in Botanic Ridge continuing.
“It is a great effort and all thanks to a great team of people working together,” she said.
“Hopefully this will make a difference both through Cornerstone and to many other local charities through Avocare’s services.”
The two Dandenong charities will share this year’s proceeds from the golf round, auctions and raffles.
They intend to create hygiene packs for the homeless, backpacks loaded with stationery and breakfast clubs.
“We had a full complement of players, as we always do,” Ms George said.
“We couldn’t have asked for better weather.”
“A great time was had by all.”
Ms George said a mixed team won for the first time in the event’s nine-year history, rather than a team made from just one company.
“It was good to see somebody different win,” she said.
“The most notable thing is the generosity of our key sponsors.
“Between them they donated just under another $5000 in the auction where they bought nothing.”
Nothing – a donation for no return – was presented as an auction item to round out the day’s bidding, and the offers came thick and fast.
Sponsors and supporters this year included KPJ Group, Grenda Group, Future Recycling, Norden, Wadeson IP, Telstra Business Centre Dandenong, Erntec, Dandenong Nissan and KIA.
Ms George hopes “for something bigger and better” for the event’s 10th anniversary next year.
The event has raised more than $340,000 for local charities.
Greater Dandenong Mayor Youhorn Chea thanked the business community for its support.
“The City of Greater Dandenong is the City of Opportunity and an inclusive and welcoming community, and one that prides itself on supporting everyone,” he said.
“These characteristics sit well with the two charities that will be major recipients this year.”
