A RECENT Christmas charity concert featuring singers, musicians and dancers has raised $1000 for a Mount Gambier-based cancer support group.
The 2019 Hallmont Estate Christmas Concent was held earlier this month and included performances from the Margaret Cleves School of Dancing, the Pine City Twirlers and the Mount Gambier Choral Society.
More than 120 residents packed out the Hallmont Estate Community Centre for the fundraising event, which raised $544 for the Mount Gambier Cancer Support Group Inc. through entry fees and donations.
Following the event, the Hallmont Estate Residents Committee voted to contribute an additional $156 to the tally, rounding up the total contribution to $750.
In an incredible act of generosity, Mount Gambier businessman and concert performer Vince Versace provided an additional $250 to the cancer support group – resulting in a total donation of $1000.
The performance started with 10-year-old Tenison Woods College student Gabriel Stachan demonstrating his musical skills, playing the guitar while singing
Happy Christmas (The War is Over), All I Want For Christmas Is You and his own rendition of Carols Through the Night.
Dancers from Margaret Cleves School of Dancing then took to the stage, with two age groups performing Highland Dance routines.
Hallmont Estate resident Gary Phillips played a variety of old songs on the clarinet.
The Christmas concert showcased singalong carols from the Mount Gambier Choral Society.
Led by Cathyrn Rochow and accompanied by Naomi Walker on the piano, the group performed Flower of Scotand, Wild Mountain Thyme and Silent Night.
The choir was followed by the Hallmont Line Dancers, who danced to four songs including the popular Down on Your Uppers.
Guitarist Jordanna Jones took to the stage, performing three Christmas-themed songs including Hark the Herald Angels Sing, The First Noel and Ave Maria.
The 21-year-old granddaughter of residents Jan and Gavin Clements enthralled audience members with her performance, which was followed by the Alluring Gem Belly-Dance School.
The concert finished with a surprise performance by Vince Versace.
Hallmont resident and event coordinator Colleen Connell said the concert, which has been held in previous years, aimed to raise essential funds for Limestone Coast charities.
She said previous recipients of funding including the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
“We receive a lot of support for the Christmas concerts because all the money raised stays local to help local people,” Ms Connell said.
“People are happy to perform and contribute because the money raised is donated in their
names.”
Mount Gambier Cancer Support Group Inc. chairperson Lorraine Musgrove praised concert organisers and performers for rallying behind the important cause.
She said the funding would provide much needed help to individuals and families battling cancer.
“The funding will help us support clients for a range of different reasons, whether it be medication, travel, tests and support garments,” she said.
“We do not always just help with medical needs, because some people need help with other things such as utility bills.
“Some of our requests are not financial, some people need a phone call or information.”
