Midwest Charity Begins at Home Gala Dinner raises more than $200,000 for local families in need

Midwest Charity Begins at Home smashed their previous record, raising more than $200,000 at Saturday night’s charity gala dinner, which returned to its fine form after a two-year COVID hiatus.

MWCBAH welcomed more than 400 guests back to their Wanderlust-themed charity ball at Geraldton Grammar School’s Batavia Hall to raise funds for local families in need.

It was the group’s first gala dinner for more than two years because of COVID, while they also celebrated 15 years in charity. During COVID, the charity raised funds through an online auction.

MWCBAH committee member Onika-Lee Routledge thanked the sponsors, volunteers and members of the group’s board and committee for making the night possible.

“The night was a roaring success thanks to all our guests for digging deep and supporting such a wonderful charity event,” she said.

Funds are raised through a silent auction which is accessible online and the evening had major auction item and raffles, including a giant inflatable plane which sold for $5000. The MC for the night was colourful comedian Famous Sharron.

Auctioneer Tiny Holly has been involved in 14 of the 15 past gala dinners and said it was humbling to be a part of such a group.

“The girls and boys work so hard for the 12 months to organise this ball, I actually organise my diary for the year around this ball and another couple of other big ones because of the professionalism,” he said.

“The energy is second to none really, you know there’s 400 people there and from the minute they walk up to the outside pre-dinner drinks it’s a buzz it really is, it’s a ball like no other.”

Over its 15-year history, the charity has raised more than $2.5 million for more than 300 families.