• Victorian youth services fundraiser
- May 15
- 2 min read
BY LERISSE SMITH
On the back of the record-breaking ‘Under the Same Stars’ Sleep Out fundraising event, the Salvation Army North East Youth Services are at it again.
The Victorian youth services, which recently raised a record $46,000 for youth homelessness and featured Miles from Home, a grassroots endurance running event, have organised a fun dinner auction to raise further funds.
“We had a lot of people offering alternative ways to help our cause, including material items and memorabilia,” says Jim Gow, Youth Participation Worker at Salvation Army North East Youth Services.
“We considered blending this auction of items into our recent event but didn’t want to interfere with the experience of the Sleep Out event, so we thought we’d hold it separately a month or so afterwards.”
The two-course dinner on Tuesday, 19 May, will be held at the Shepparton Brewery, which is generously supporting the event, with the funds directed to youth homelessness.
A key component is ensuring the funds raised will stay local.
“It’s important that the funds stay local for us,” Jim says.
“Many fundraisers send money to different areas; however, this money is raised by locals for locals. I’ve been involved in more than 70 events previously, but this is the first charity auction I’ve been a part of.”
Daina Winch, co-owner of the Shepparton Brewery, said she was excited to put on another community fundraising event.
“Both Matt and I have participated in both Under the Same Stars sleepouts and find the experience incredible,” she says. “To be able to build on that by assisting to host this evening will be a win/win for all of us.”
Some of the items to be auctioned off on the evening.
The auction night will feature some of the runners from the event, including Peter Ralph and Vic Bovalino.
“It’s a continuation of the effort we are putting in for this cause,” says Peter. “We also get to see and thank people who attend for the support of our recent run, which we may not have had an opportunity to do so as we were focused on the running element.”
Among businesses donating items to the event are Shepparton Automotive Group, Southern Cross Austereo, Tanks Art Gallery, Elise Gow Designs, Shepp City Garden Equipment and Total Tools.
If you are a business and can assist by offering an item, a service or an experience to auction, contact Jim at jim.gow@salvationarmy.org.au
To obtain tickets for the event including a two-course dinner and drink, click here
