Charity auction raises $40,000 for Olivia’s Place
Olivia’s Place held its annual gala dinner and charity auction on September 2, with the theme ‘From Little Things Big Things Grow’.
About 150 people attended the event held at the Warragul Reception and Conference Centre.
The live auction was led by SEJ Livestock’s Paul Phillips, and was complemented by a raffle and three separate silent auctions as well as an interactive live auction via Facebook. CJ Rovers was MC for the night. Guests included Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood, Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath, Cr Peter Kostos and representatives from event sponsors.
Items auctioned at the event were donated from more than 160 businesses.
The event is the largest fundraiser for Olivia’s Place, with the charity auction bringing in the highest amount of funds contributing to the ongoing service delivery supporting local families.
This year, a local woman whose family has received support from Olivia’s Place attended the event.
Jessica Zammitt of Drouin shared her story of support received by Olivia’s Place and the positive impact it’s hard on her family situation and personal motivation to provide the best for her children.
Jessica has also struggled with postnatal depression and anxiety which is prevalent in many in today’s society.
She spoke about how the support received from Olivia’s Place had helped to see her through some very difficult times. Jessica was excited to be able to share her story of support, and hopes that by doing so it will encourage others to reach out and seek help when they are in times of need.
Olivia’s Place centre manager Kirsten Finger said their goal this year was to raise $30,000, after raising $23,000 in 2016.
“We were absolutely in awe of the support in the room on the night, an example of which saw the sale of a fish pack for two selling for a record $260.
“Overall, the sponsors and guests contributed to raising a grand total
of $40,499.60, which is an incredible outcome and helps us to make good decisions for service delivery in the short to medium term future,” Ms Finger said.