Elvis Crew continues its fundraising focus
When 100 motorcyclists all set out from Buln Buln at the end of May, the locals would have been forgiven for wondering just what was going on.
As it turned out, it was all for a great cause, as the Warragul Motorcycle Club members were putting on a charity drive as they raised $16,000 for Variety, with a little help from some passionate friends.
Variety, also known as ‘the Children’s Charity’, is a charity that aims to provide necessary services to disadvantaged kids and families that they may not otherwise be able to access. Companion animals, disabled swings and sensory rooms are just a few of the many services Variety provides.
The motorcade, which drove from Bindaree Station to the Hawthorn Bridge and back, was the result of efforts from plenty of volunteers, but in particular a local group who has been raising money for Variety for a long while now.
The self-proclaimed ‘Elvis Crew’ is a collection of passionate locals who love nothing more than raising money for kids in need, while dressed as the king himself.
Group member Gerard Bongiorno said the member were big fans of Elvis Presley, as well as the personal rewards that come with helping families and kids.
Bongiorno attributed much of the group’s success to member David Hobbs, who he said had been the starting point for getting everyone involved.
“He got us all on board as part of the Elvis Crew. Over the years I think David’s raised about $300,000 on his own, which is a big achievement,” Mr Bongiorno said.
“For the bike club to put this event on, it was just huge.”
The motorcade was just one of an assortment of events the group has helped stage over the past 12 months to help raise $60,000 for Variety.
The Elvis Crew assisted throughout the day, providing catering and care, as well as helping to organise a charity auction at the end of the event that involved prizes such as corporate box experiences, new tools and motorbike gifts, mostly thanks to generous donations from local businesses.
“The community is fantastic, I think they see first hand what Variety does and they get right behind it,” Mr Bongiorno said.
The group this month set out for the annual Variety Vic Bash, a charity motoring event where hundreds of participants from Victoria set out on a journey that ended in Cairns on Friday. The annual Bash enabled participants to raise more money for kids in need, as well as celebrating the efforts of the past 12 months of fundraising.
Group members have their own personalised cars for the journey, featuring the face of their favourite musician.
“It’s 12 days dressed as Elvis as a bit of a celebration. And we can’t take the wig off,” Mr Bongiorno said with a bit of a laugh.
“It’s a big effort for a few yobbos who get together and think up ways to raise money for disadvantaged kids.”
Readers can donate to the Elvis Crew as they set out on the Bash at https://fundraise.variety. org.au/fundraisers/TheElvisCrew.