Emma McKee (left), Gwenda Green and Russell Schrale at the Biggest Morning Tea on Thursday. PHOTO: Jack Hudson
THE Gawler Biggest Morning Tea was again another sell-out this past Thursday at the Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club, raising roughly $15,000 for the Cancer Council.
The event had catering from the Gawler & District College hospitality group, Gawler 15, in addition to raffles and entertainment.
Gawler Cancer Council president Gwenda Green said it was another terrific morning tea.
“I think it was interesting that Russell (Schrale) from head office said since the branch has been going in Gawler, we’ve donated over $500,000 to Cancer Council,” she said.
“When you look at that, if it all went to research where it’s worth five to one, that’s $2.5 million from this area.
“People support us here 100 percent and they need to know that we are all volunteers and 100 percent of what we raise goes directly to the cause.”
Mrs Green praised the work of Gawler 15, who have catered for the event previously.
“They’re amazing, it was really good to hear the young girl (Indiana Rose Rhys-Loffler) who won the Lions Award is now working at Adelaide Oval in hospitality,” she said.
“Some good things are coming out of the Gawler 15, they’ve been there for a number of years supporting us.”
Despite the event only occurring last week, Mrs Green is already looking forward to 2020.
“We’ll certainly be back next year, we have people asking if they’d be able to book their tables again,” she said.
“Shane (Collins) from the Jockey Club indicated that we’d be very welcome.
“We certainly can’t do this without their support or without the support of the Gawler Lions Club, it’s a team effort.”
Mrs Green also thanked the volunteers involved, and the community for its support.
“Our group, the Lions Club, the Jockey Club, the 60-odd businesses that supported our major raffle, they’ve continued to support us every year with donations to run that raffle and I do know the piece of jewellery brought in nearly $1000 on the day,” she said.
“I need to thank the whole community who get behind what we do, the day is only successful because people support us.
“I’ve got four immediate family members living with cancer, so it’s a passion for me and I’m sure it is for a lot of people.
“Hopefully, we one day live in a cancer-free world.”
