INVALUABLE funds for more breast cancer care nurses were raised at a sporting contest at the Furner Oval on Saturday.
Many thousands of dollars to assist the work of the McGrath Foundation were generated by the inaugural Pink Stumps Day contested by the Rendelsham and Furner/Beachport cricket clubs.
While the cricketers provided on-field entertainment, there were children’s activities, live music, fine wine and food and a social atmosphere rivalling the exclusive confines of the Adelaide Oval Members’ Reserve.
Generous donors and sponsors and willing bidders meant that over $3200 was raised at a charity auction after the sun went down and the 180 revellers partied on.
Pink is the unofficial colour of various breast cancer charities and it was everywhere to be seen including the stumps, the players’ caps and the clothes of spectators.
Although the match was one-sided with the home side completing a 10-wicket victory, there were calls from all quarters for the Millicent and District Cricket Association to authorise another Pink Stumps Day over next summer.
Organisers and participants applauded all who supported the concept with similar events staged around the nation for the McGrath Foundation.
Co-organiser Karen Pulmer said the day had a variety of aims.
“It is about getting people out to watch the cricket again,” Ms Pulmer said.
“Pink Stumps Day is also about raising money for an amazing charity.
“The McGrath Foundation is a cause which is dear to our hearts.
“The foundation has had one of its breast cancer care nurses based at Mount Gambier Hospital for a number of years.”
She said the McGrath Foundation was also about raising awareness of breast cancer.
“The breast cancer screening van is back again in Millicent,” she said.
“You can guarantee that someone will be affected.”
Furner/Beachport Cricket Club president Gerard McGrath said Saturday’s game was played in good spirit.
“It is a great cause and a great day was organised by Karen Pulmer and Sara Gray,” Mr McGrath said.
“There was a bit of friendly banter on the field and it was nice to beat Rendelsham.
“We will let them have a go at hosting Pink Stumps Day next summer.”
Injury kept Rendelsham Cricket Club president Scott Redman on the sidelines, but he said his group whole heartedly supported the day.
Mr Redman said he hoped the MDCA would make the day an annual event.
“All proceeds go to a good cause and it is great to see the level of support at the Furner Oval,” Mr Redman,
Rendelsham cricketer and MDCA president Matt Ballantyne also said he would like to see the charity day held each year.
“Everyone has been touched directly or indirectly by cancer,” Mr Ballantyne said.
Meanwhile, cancer charities and the Hospital Research Foundation were the beneficiaries of a sold-out dinner at Millicent on Saturday night.
The Longest Table dinner at the Millicent Football Netball Club rooms attracted 120 diners.
