Variety Mid West Cocktail Party raises more than $30,000 for local children in need and their families

A night of high emotion and generosity saw locals dig deep and raise more than $30,000 to support children in need and their families across the Mid West. Close to 200 people united for a worthy cause, attending the annual Variety Mid West Cocktail Party on Saturday night at Dongara Marine. Variety Midwest regional co-ordinator Jan Ajduk said support from the local community “is what makes nights like this possible”. Despite ongoing economic pressures, the generosity in the room was immediate and deeply felt, she said. “We saw just how powerful these moments can be. During one of our grant stories — featuring a young child living with cerebral palsy — a donor purchased a pearl necklace for double its value within seconds,” Ms Ajduk said. “It was an incredible act of generosity, and not from a first-time donor either.” Three local grant stories were shared on the night, with the children’s mothers in attendance — a powerful reminder of the real and ongoing challenges families face. “These stories offer just a small insight into the reality for many families — the sleepless nights, the daily challenges — and why this support matters so much,” Ms Ajduk said. Guests were treated to delicious catering from the team at Casa Dolce and entertained by local artist Jay Gaynor and then the Royal Australian Navy Band — WA Detachment. The circus-themed event’s proceedings were led by “ringmaster” Dean Calver, while the popular prize wall sold out within minutes. Live auctions proved both entertaining and highly effective in fundraising. Ms Ajduk said the night would not have been possible without its volunteers and sponsors, including Geraldton Ford, Latitude Jewellery, Westweld Engineering and Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-Op. It was an event celebrating connection, community and compassion, with all funds raised going directly towards Variety’s kids support grants program in the Mid West to provide essential equipment, resources and opportunities for local children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disability. Over the past year, Variety WA has supported more than 15,000 children across WA — including more than 2200 children in the Mid West.