What a fabulous Christmas morning tea!
Walking into the function room at the CRJC bought the magic of Christmas alive. The decorations kindly donated by Carol from Something Special Weddings were amazing, thank you so much. Shirley Regan, one of our life members once again excelled with her Christmas table, just beautiful. Two huge bunches of roses donated by Benefield’s Rose Farm were part of this display and were later auctioned off adding to our very successful morning. After some very keen bidding they were purchased by Sue Fischer & Cheri Stirling, thank you ladies.
Our President Kerrie DiMattia started proceedings with a minute silence to remember our members who have passed this year. Then gave an enthusiastic welcome to everyone who came along to support us and enjoy our Christmas morning tea event.
Our MC Richie Williamson, who is not only the Nationals Candidate for Clarence but is a Grafton Auxiliary Patron, called our special guests Karen Hogan (representing Kevin Hogan, Federal Member for Page), Chris Gulaptis (Member for Clarence) and Tina Morrison (A/Assistant Director of Nursing & Midwifery) to speak. They all thanked the UHA and the community for the support given to the Grafton Base Hospital.
Next was a yummy morning tea provided by our excellent cooks and sandwich makers, tea & coffee poured by our Midday Rotary helpers. Thank you all for everything you do as a lot of work goes into organising & catering for a function of this size. Also, on the table were beautiful, tiered plates that have been kindly donated by our UHA member Carol Bailey. How lucky were we to be entertained by Kim Conner, such a lovely voice, and Kim is also a surgical nurse at Grafton Hospital.
Certificates of appreciation were presented to Michael Sears from GDSC for all help, especially with the changeover to technology for our members.
Carol Dunn, a member for many years who generously has donated over 1,000 bottles of pickles, jam & lemon butter to be sold at the shop and functions.
Thank you.
Then back to Richie & Kerrie for the drawing of the raffles & Tombolas. Lots of happy winners amongst the crowd.
A big thank you to all the businesses who kindly donated these wonderful raffle prizes and our members for the Tombola prizes.
Main raffle winner Shirley Regan kindly re-donated her first prize back to the Auxiliary to be redrawn.
So, the winning ticket numbers are now 1st-6th
A 19818, E15850, A 19942, E15833, E 12141 & A19296.
Lucky door prizes, in house raffle and Tombolas were collected on the day.
A big thank you to all the community groups, friends and family who supported this wonderful day and helped us raise nearly $7000, which will go to purchase much needed equipment for the Grafton Hospital. We could not have done it without each and every one of you.
Julie Smith