The melodic sounds of 80s singing sensation Wendy Matthews will ring out across Daydream Island in mid-September for a major fundraising concert which has attracted the backing of many community-spirited locals.
Proserpine real estate agent Reg Gillen is just one of the charitable hearts in the Whitsundays who has been moved by the courage and determination of a local mum who lost her six year old son to cancer some 18 months ago.
Lisa Christofersen’s son Logan Wells passed away in December 2010, just 20 days short of his 7th birthday.
"To lose a child is indescribable. To see your child suffer from cancer takes everything to another level. The grief will never stop, it just takes different forms in our daily lives. I see so much of Logan in our daughter Sienna. We always talk about Logan as if he is here……….well we believe that he is here," said Lisa.
Lisa’s bravery in spite of unimaginable grief is what attracted Mr Gillen to the September 16 event.
"Considering the heartbreak she’s been through losing her son, she has taken a very proactive stance in helping people in a similar situation. Once again this event is going to be supported by any number of locals who put their hearts on their sleeves for the community they love," Mr Gillen said.
The popular real estate agent will be running the charity auction for the event which he envisages may gravitate to a yearly event.
"I first started helping Lisa last year at the function at the Reef Gateway and we raised a fair bit of money there. But the way she is approaching this event ins something unique. It’s going to be an asset to the area because it could gravitate to something locals could look forward to every year," Mr Gillen said.
The fundraising began last year in the name of Logan’s Run when a team of 85 people walked in "the Bridge to Brisbane" in Logan’s honour.
"After that I went into a fund raising frenzy, starting in May 2011. We raised about $50,000 locally, and a total of $56,000 was raised all together with the Brisbane contingent from the hospital. I know dozens of families with children on chemo, post chemo, in remission, relapsed or sadly in our situation.
"I started a group called "Mums with Memories" as I needed to talk to other parents in the same boat. Sadly there are now 30 of us in our closed group. We speak each other's language. I am also a part of the larger group of 115 families at RCH. I made life long friends there, and we all need each other's support. It is scary when I get a friend request to Mums with memories. It means another child has died. I will never get used to that,"
However after having three months off from fundraising last year, this inspirational mother is taking the fundraising to a grand new level and while she does have her moments of doubt, her determination sees her through.
"Sometimes I find myself thinking, how can I do this? Can I really put on such a huge event … and I think about all the people who have helped me including George Wade from Centro and Reg Gillen and know that we are in good hands," she said.
And so the gala charity dinner was born. A Night Under the Stars Gala Dinner and Auction starring Wendy Matthews at Daydream Island will unfold on Sunday, September 16 thanks to some amazing sponsorship by local and other supporters.
"However as I have been doing this by myself, I have not been able to get the word out and do need the help of more sponsors! Another $5000 would make it so that the ticket prices are clear profit back to the charities. My goal is to raise a minimum of $15,000 for each charity on the night, but considering our amazing auction items, we may blow this figure out of the water," Lisa said.
Radisson Resorts of Canada have donated 16 nights accommodation across 8 of their properties from Vancouver to Toronto.
"I am still fund raising to raise the international airfare for this. There is a great range of sporting memorabilia in the auction list also. Including boxing gloves signed by Danny Greene, a signed helmet from the V8 racing team, framed and signed Cowboys jersey and Titans Jersey courtesy of Telstra Store Whitsunday, a signed jersey from Australian Cricketer Matthew Hayden and so much more ... a sculpture by Foot Young.
If anyone would like to donate, could they please email me. Lawnbusters@bigpond.com
Tickets will be available from www.whitsundaytickets.com.au. More information in the Guardian in the lead up to the event.
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