
A new boss for Bendigo Health Fundraising Foundation took to the dancefloor to debut his position as chairman of the organisation at a special gala ball.
A glittering gala ball at the Red Energy Arena on Saturday night has raised over $260,000 for the Bendigo Health Cancer Wellness Program.
The new chairman of the health service’s fundraising foundation, Trevor Elliott, has debuted in his new role after taking the reins from departing boss Dianne Foggo.
Hundreds of guests danced and snapped up auction prizes, driving donations to double last year’s event total. All proceeds from the evening’s auction will be directed to a cancer wellness program at the Gobbe Centre, located on Bendigo Health grounds.
To launch the evening’s speeches oncology nurse Jenna Sing, who won recently won a national award, spoke of the difference the Gobbe Centre made in the lives of patients.
Dr Natalie Flatt and Sasha Milinkovic gave a speech about the importance of mental health care for people going through cancer treatment programs.
Ms Foggo, speaking last week, said she was especially proud of the expansion of the wellness centre during her time as chairwoman.
“The Gobbe Centre has grown hugely,” she said. “And we received a large donation several weeks ago that will allow us to refurbish the bottom floor of the superintendent’s cottage and then be able to expand the services here.”
Ms Foggo said wellness centre was very popular and greater demands were being increasingly placed upon it. “We want to deliver on what we say we’re going to do, which is to help people who have issues through oncology. “It’s a place to come to where you can feel special.
“I’m very sad about leaving but I’m also very excited. It’s time for somebody else to take over.”
An illustrated group portrait of major sponsors from McKean McGregor Bendigo and the fundraising team was presented at the end of the night when the total raised was announced. The group bravely posed with their picture in the spirit in which it was created.
This article first appeared in the Herald Sun. Words and images by Julieanne Strachan
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