Auxiliary lunch brings community together for Tomaree Hospital fundraiser

A LIVELY afternoon of food, music and dancing has raised $3114 for Tomaree Community Hospital Auxiliary.

Held at Wharf Restaurant, the Ladies Lunch attracted 83 guests, with money raised through ticket sales and a raffle.

The Auxiliary is currently fundraising to purchase another six Ook Snow hospital beds, each valued at approximately $10,000.

The specialised beds can weigh patients while in bed, alert hospital staff when a patient is attempting to get up, and be adjusted to meet individual care needs.

Tomaree Community Hospital Auxiliary president Jayne Kilbride said the event also helped raise awareness of the work carried out by the group.

“Our charity depends on community support for donations, and having a wonderful event like this raised awareness of what we are doing and how it benefits the community,” Ms Kilbride said.

The idea for the Ladies Lunch came from Auxiliary committee member Barbara Stephens, who helped bring the event together.

“We would like to thank Barbara Stephens, who had the idea for a Ladies Lunch and has brought it to life,” Ms Kilbride said.

“It’s getting bigger and better.”

Thanks also went to Rob and Ann-Marie Spiers from the Wharf Restaurant for hosting the event.

Musician Dave Tarrant donated his time and provided the entertainment, with many guests leaving their tables to join in the dancing.

Port Stephens Councillor Roz Armstrong was among the guests.

The auxiliary currently has 47 members who volunteer their time to raise money for equipment and improvements at Tomaree Community Hospital.

Their fundraising efforts play an important role in providing equipment that may not otherwise be available through regular hospital funding.

Fundraising will continue later in the year, with a craft stall planned in Nelson Bay, opposite the post office, on Saturday, 5 December.

By Althea GUINSBERG