The money raised each year from the event helps assist locals living with type 1 diabetes by purchasing Insulin Pumps, Continual Glucose Monitors and Freestyle Libre Glucose Readers and Sensors.

All of these devices help save lives and make life more manageable for those with type 1 diabetes in the community. 

Secretary of the Macleay Valley Coast Diabetes Group, Sonya Murphy said the aim behind the fundraiser and the group is to help people in the community.

“If the group can help make life a little easier by raising funds, we will continue to do this for many years to come,” she said. 

Last year the event raised over $30,000. 

“We always hope to raise more money each year at the event and this year will be no exception. But in saying that we appreciate any amount raised for the group and whether it’s over the $30,000 from the 2017 event or under that amount, all money raised on the night is going towards helping locals living with type 1 diabetes,” Ms Murphy said.

“We are just so grateful for whatever amount we can raise and can’t thank all those enough who have given and will give in one way or another towards the charity and its fundraising event.”

On the night there will be a rainbow raffle with up to 70 prizes to be won that have been donated by many local businesses, an auction with over 20 items on offer to bid on with prizes including accommodation packages, NRL signed jerseys, artwork, vouchers, services and much more. On sale will also be the major raffle tickets that have been on sale around the town, there are three fantastic prizes in the raffle with the 1st prize consisting of $2000 worth of vouchers to be spent at local business. 

This will be the 9th year of the fundraising event, with over $270,000.00 raised over these years.

Ms Murphy said the support from the community has made the event successful.

“We have 26 businesses who have come on board as sponsors this year, many have been with us from the very beginning nine years ago,” she said. 

“We have also had plenty of businesses and members of the community who have donated amazing prizes and auction items for the fundraiser. We are so grateful for the very generous donations.”

The event is sold out, with 300 people attending on Saturday night. 

The dinner is set for a 5.30pm arrival and a 6pm start. 

“It’s a wonderful local charity with a very hard working committee of volunteers where the money raised stays local, supporting locals,” Ms Murphy said. 

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