Emma Pritchard

The generosity and selfless spirit of the Clarence Valley community raised more than $23400 for Grafton teenager Riley Croft and his family at a Helping Hands Trivia Night, held at the Grafton District Services Club (GDSC) on April 17.

More than 160 people attended and formed 21 teams as they put their knowledge to the test and opened their wallets.

Major raffles and auctions were also held during the night to raise funds for the Croft family with signed NRL jerseys from clubs including the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks and Newcastle Knights among the highly sought-after items.

The Clarence River Jockey Club (CRJC) also generously donated two VIP passes for Ramornie Day on July 7.

Representing Helping Hands, Arthur Lysaght praised the community for their incredible support of the event and thanked local businesses and organisations for their tremendous efforts in helping to raise much needed funds.

Mr Lysaght also acknowledged Dave Neville, a work colleague of Riley’s father Jamie at Transport NSW, for his generous assistance in helping to make the event a success.

“Dave did a great job, and the people of Transport NSW also deserve a big pat on the back for their generous donations as well,” Mr Lysaght said.

“It was an incredible amount to raise in a short amount of time and all the money has been deposited into an account for the Croft family, every cent.

“The GDSC also donated more than $1000 during the night, and all the local businesses and people who came to the event, their support was incredible.”

Riley was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer, in 2020.

The money raised at the trivia night will go towards his medical expenses and to help support his family.