By Lia Bichel
Berwick Rotary Club president Sjaak Kusters, guest speaker Max Walker and Dr Adam Rainczuk from the Ovarian Research Foundation. 56525Pictures: Lia Bichel
CRICKET legend Max Walker joined people from across Casey who raised thousands of dollars at the Berwick Rotary Club 2010 Charity Business Dinner last week.
The event, which was held at Cranbourne Turf Club, raised $12,500 for vital equipment for the Ovarian Research Foundation.
Guests enjoyed an evening of networking, great food and entertainment, while raising money through raffles tickets and silent auctions and live auctions conducted by Chris McKearney from McKearney’s Auctioneers and Valuers in Dandenong South.
Dr Adam Rainczuk from the Ovarian Research Foundation said fundraisers were very important in helping the foundation purchase much-needed equipment to research a cure for ovarian cancer.
Mr Walker, who was MC at the event, said he had a long-standing relationship with the Rotary Club and was impressed with the event and the amount of people who attended to raise money for an important cause.
“I believe if you give at great energy, it makes the Rotary wheel go round and round,” he said.
President Sjaak Kusters agreed.
“From a president’s point of view, it can’t get any better! It was a fantastic night,” Mr Kusters said.
“Many people are touched by Ovarian Cancer and people were passionate about raising money for it. Ovarian Research Foundation was our major beneficiary, but some funds will be distributed to various local charities.” Mr Kusters credited much of the night’s success to a hard-working and determined team of Rotary volunteers.
“There was extremely hard work involved by the business dinner committee,” he said.
“They worked above and beyond the call of duty on a very short time line.”
Mr Kusters said plans were already underway for next year’s charity event.
