A RAINBOW bridge set the scene for an uplifting and successful launch of Gillian’s Rainbow Bridge project.
Guests arriving for the first fundraiser at the Yarra Glen Memorial in September walked over a bridge and under a rainbow for a night of music, dance and great food.
The event raised close to $15,000 providing a substantial launching pad for programs which aim to bring together disadvantaged children and abused animals to heal and support each other.
The Rainbow Bridge project recognises the life and passion of Gillian Conrad, a local veterinary nurse who was known for her skill and compassion in her job, and her extraordinary love of animals.
Gillian died suddenly aged 31 earlier this year.
Her mother Annette said the first fundraiser was overwhelmingly successful and a great tribute to Gillian.
Among many special moments was a reading of the poem Rainbow Bridge by special guest, actor John Wood. He gave a heart-warming tribute saying “I am sorry I didn’t get to meet Gillian … she sounds like an amazing young woman.”
Bush band Shearer’s Tally entertained the crowd who danced their boots off and learned some new dance steps along the way.
“There was such a strong sense of family and community coming together to support
each other and have a fun time,” Annette said. “Our city visitors gave the country dance steps a solid try and didn’t do too badly either.”
The auction was a bidding frenzy and also a huge success thanks to the generosity of so many people who donated goods and services.
“It was a real family, community, cross-generational event that saw everyone smiling and embracing the warmth that unity can provide,” Annette said.
She said the committee was touched and thrilled with the outcome and were in the process of establishing the first term of Gillian’s Rainbow Bridge programs.
“We are looking forward to implementing these programs in the near future,” she said.
