By KATH GANNAWAY
“IT’S what you do”.
Kathy Fricke summed up very simply the reason the Yarra Glen community, and many others, have got behind Kelly’s Kids’ Day.
“We just knew we had to do this to help,” said Kathy, who is secretary of the Yarra Glen Junior Football Netball Club.
“It’s about banding together to help a family in need.”
The family day at McKenzie Reserve in Yarra Glen on Saturday 16 May will raise cash for a trust fund for Kelly Crowley’s daughters, Sierra and Tahli, who survived the Labour Day crash in which their mother and brother Ethan died.
The town has rallied behind a group of Kelly’s closest friends who have set up the fund to ensure the girls have what they need as they grow up, and to support them long-term.
The Football Netball Club and Heartland Church have joined with Catherine Grbac, Niki Silverman and Michelle Gilmour to put on a family day as a first major fund-raiser.
The club has auspiced the event, taking care of insurance – a major hurdle cleared.
“There was not a minute’s hesitation when we were approached to support this for the girls,” Kathy said.
Catherine said that had been the response wherever they had turned for help – and they were overwhelmed and grateful.
Donations by the hundreds are flooding in for an auction and mega raffle to be held on the day, and there will be lots of fantastic, free family entertainment to make the day a big drawcard and a success.
There will be jumping castles, a footy clinic, free Aussie Kids Rock band, a circus performer, petting zoo, kids craft and plant potting activities, a fun-filled toddler area and more.
Heartland Church is sizzling sausages, and there will be snow cones, cones and One Pablo paella van.
The Chamber of Commerce is looking after cake and cookies, Ritchies IGA is providing soft drink and Valley Xpresso coffee van will be all steamed up – a perfect partner for the chamber cakes.
While there is lots of free entertainment, Pastor Mike Baimbridge of Heartland urged people to be generous.
“On one hand, this is a fun family event with free activities, but at the same time the central reason for the day is to raise some serious money for a future fund for the girls,” he said.
“So please, come along with money to spend on raffle tickets, to bid at the auction, and to support the other fund-raising efforts.”
Kelly’s Kids’ Day is from noon to 4pm at McKenzie Reserve.
To donate to the Kelly’s Kids Trust Fund go to: youcaring.com/family-fundraiser/in-memory-of-kelly-and-ethan/319832 or send a donation to the Commonwealth Bank, BSB 063 252, Account number 1050 4149.
