WITH an astonishing total of over $10,000 raised, Mount Gambier Biggest Morning Tea organiser Lois Bayre has celebrated her 20th anniversary event in style.
Through the generosity of Mount Gambier businesses, Ms Bayre was able to hold the morning tea which “ran smoothly” and was a nice “relaxing morning”.
Described as the “best yet”, Ms Bayre said Thursday’s Cancer Council fundraiser, which attracted over 300 people to the Mount Gambier Italo Australia Club, was only possible with volunteer support.
“I love doing this because I know the money raised goes towards saving lives each year,” she said.
“We are on the road to improving the lives of those who live with cancer.”
Guest speakers and Cancer Council coordinators also participated in the day’s activities to support Ms Bayre in her fundraising quest, with the event tally now surpassing $140,000 across two decades.
“My coordinator Amy Roker and guest speaker Janine Barleds attended which was amazing.
Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin drew the raffle winners while MP’s Troy Bell and Tony Pasin auctioned the five donated items.
“It was lovely to have Mayor Martin, Mr Bell and Mr Pasin participate and attend the event,” Ms Bayre said.
Ms Bayre said Ms Roker and Ms Barleds could not comprehend the community’s generosity with the number of donations that flooded in from South East businesses.
“With my daughter being the emcee of the morning and the Redgum fashion parade it made for a fantastic morning for all,” Ms Bayre said.
Ms Bayre – who was planning on retiring this year – decided she will be back next year for yet another Biggest Morning Tea event.
“I was going to retire but once I saw how much we raised I thought ‘we need to keep going’,” she said.
“While I have still got that commitment and love to organise it I figure I better keep going.”
