The Goulburn Harness Racing Club welcomes the opportunity to help the Crookwell Community Trust conduct a fundraiser at its race meeting scheduled for the Boxing Day public holiday on Monday the 28th December, 2015.
The Crookwell Community Trust provides aid to people of the Upper Lachlan Shire who have experienced extreme difficulties due to personal trauma or natural disaster. The shire includes Gunning, Crookwell, Taralga, Binda, Bigga & Tuena, and each year tens of thousands of dollars are provided to those who have suffered. In the year ended June 2015, in excess of $20,000 was distributed.
As is naturally the case, fundraising for those afflicted by tragedy always commences after the event and often takes considerable time before the funds can be handed over. We see the community rally and their fundraising efforts are evident through street raffles, church collections, and community events. It was from these community-minded activities, which typifies the Australian spirit to help our neighbour, that the Crookwell Community Trust was established.
Chairman and local solicitor Tim McCarthy explains, “With this long history of community-mindedness, a number of residents resolved to create a Community Trust with the aim that the Trust be formed specifically to help individuals or families hit by personal disaster. The intention was to create a pool of money whereby funds could instantly be made available to persons in distress without the need to always raise money after an emergency had arisen or without the need to await the receipt of government assistance. Delays were normal in raising funds after an emergency or in awaiting government assistance. The greatest need is normally immediately after the emergency arises”.
To support the Trust in raising funds for FY 2016, the Goulburn Harness Racing Club will host a racing program on the Boxing Day holiday set for Monday the 28th December, 2015. The afternoon will feature entertainment by local vocalist Kerri O’Keefe and mini trotting will take place in between the TAB races.
“With Christmas over and done with, we thought the Public Holiday Monday was perfect to draw a great crowd who could enjoy an exciting afternoon of racing, great entertainment and support an outstanding charitable organization” said club secretary Mark Croatto.
Whilst the harness club usually provides free entry to its race meetings, on this occasion all patrons and industry participants are being asked to donate $10 which will be collected by members of the Crookwell Community Trust.
“We normally don’t charge entry but we really believe our request to donate $10 at the gate is a very small price to pay to help out such a great charity. Not only are you helping a wonderful cause, you will also get a tremendous afternoon of racing and entertainment by Kerri O’Keefe” said Croatto, who also stressed that no money will go towards the club. “The club won’t see any of the money raised as it is being collected at the entrance by the Community Trust people and every single cent will be used to help those who are struck by tragedy” added Croatto.
For the racing participants, while the meeting is classified as a level 2 $5,000 fixture, the club has increased funding to $6,000 for half of the races on the program. On a dollar for dollar basis, the Goulburn Club will match $2,000 dollars of sponsorship that has been raised in order to ensure a top class race meeting. “We’re hoping all our local trainers will support the day and ensure a tremendous afternoon of racing” said Croatto, who cheekily added “They better hand over $10 as well on entry!”
Sponsorship support for the day has come from some great local businesses including Crookwell IGA, the Goulburn based Australian Wool Network, Brian & Lorraine Frost’s Hillden Poll Dorset Stud at Bannister, McGeechan Farm Supplies, Virbac Australia and Goulburn’s Craig Furniture One.
“This is an extremely worthy cause as none of us know when tragedy may strike and we may ourselves be in need of the help provided by the Crookwell Community Trust. So we implore that you grab a group of friends and come out and enjoy a great afternoon of racing knowing your attendance and donation is making a real contribution” stated Croatto.
Crookwell Community Trust contact is PO Box 229 Crookwell, NSW 2583.
For all the latest on the Crookwell Community Trust fundraiser and harness racing news visit the club’s website atwww.goulburnpaceway.com.au
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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