Cyclone Seroja fundraiser thanks women who volunteered time

The organiser of a cyclone Seroja relief fundraiser last weekend has thanked a group of “leading ladies” who volunteered their time.

Tyson Overstone of Sweet Orange Productions reached out to several organisations during the planning of the SOS Seroja Relief Fundraiser, during which residents enjoyed live entertainment, auctions, kids’ activities and refreshments on Saturday.

Funds raised are still being counted, but it’s expected the total could be up to $30,000.

Mr Overstone’s wife Jayme worked with the Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Melissa Raffan to co-ordinate auction donations.

Courtney Webb from mobile cocktail bar business Cheeky Peach organised and ran the bar, and Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club president Sally McKenzie donated the venue.

Mr Overstone said without volunteers, community events like the fundraiser could not go ahead.

“I reached out to all these people and asked each of them to do their particular role because if they couldn’t take care of their part, there is no way we could have pulled this off in a week,” he said.

“Volunteers, especially in community events, are extremely important.”

All proceeds from the event will go to the Lord Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund, with the final figure to be tallied.

Mr Overstone said all donations of time, energy and money had been appreciated.

“Whether it was $10 or $1000, every little hour people put in volunteering, every bit people put in is why these things can be successful,” he said.