By David Nagel
One of the great social events on the local sporting calendar – Pakenham Cricket Club’s (PCC) Pink Ladies Day – will hold extra significance on Saturday with the PCC honouring two remarkable women and survivors of breast cancer.
Now in its eighth year, the PCC Pink Ladies Day has raised almost $50,000 for the McGrath Foundation – an organisation that is dedicated to its mission of ensuring that a McGrath Breast Care Nurse is available to anyone experiencing breast cancer by providing physical, psychological and emotional support.
Two women who have experienced the challenging journey, Annie Porter and Andrea Berkhout, will be honoured on Saturday.
Pakenham and Tooradin will be playing for the Annie Porter Shield, while the Player of the Match will receive the Andrea Berkhout Award.
Pakenham president Phil Anning said it was a fitting tribute to two women that have been a massive inspiration throughout the community
“Annie and Andrea have inspired many people, not just within the Pakenham Cricket Club, but all around the community with their positive attitude and true fighting spirit,” Anning said.
“Through adversity they have provided inspiration to us all and it is fitting that they are being recognised by having these awards named after them.”
The PCC is expecting a bumper crowd of 170 people to attend on Saturday, with an ambition to raise $7500 at this year’s event.
Guest speaker this year will be breast cancer survivor Amanda Sidebottom, while McGrath Foundation Ambassador and Director, Tracey Bevan, will also attend and speak on the day.
An afternoon tea will be provided, while the popular refreshment ‘Phil’s Pink Drinks’ are also available at $5 each.
Those attending are encouraged to embrace the Pretty Pink Pig Raffle, with a first prize of $500 and nine other prizes to be won. Further raffles will be run, with tickets $2 each or three for $5…with the now famous pink shovels part of the prize pool.
“It’s an event we are very proud of and we look forward to another wonderful day in support of the McGrath Foundation,” Anning said.
