Susan Brown (left), Yvonne Baudinette, Doreen McCosh and Jenny Katsaros.
SOUTH-WEST residents had a ball at a fund-raiser for Peter’s Project on Saturday night.
About 430 people supported the inaugural Waves Gala Ball held in the Fun4Kids marquee on the Civic Green, with committee member Bernie Price saying the night had been a roaring success.
“At one stage everyone was up dancing,” she said yesterday.
“That’s a good sign that people are enjoying themselves. It was a really good atmosphere.”
She said the sellout event, which had been 18 months in the making, was due to the efforts of Functions Unlimited’s Sue Swayn, Warrnambool Party Hire’s Jim Clark, Star Printing’s Erin Fox and Whalers Hotel’s Matty Stewart.
“Cancer and Peter’s Project were something that affected everybody,” Mrs Price said.
“We had a meeting with (campaign leader) Vicki Jellie and decided we could actually do this.”
Guests played the part in floor-length evening gowns and bow ties and ranged from south-west medical staff and Peter’s Project members to member for South West Coast Denis Napthine.
“There were people from all walks of life,” Mrs Price said.
Warrnambool radio identity Jon Vertigan played master of ceremonies for the evening, while Melbourne cover band Popcorn provided entertainment.
Wyton’s catered the three-course meal, and Russell’s Creek Football Netball Club supplying members for bar service.
The gala also incorporated an auction which boasted a range of donated lots including a signed Essendon football print, a range of accommodation packages and a white gold bracelet.
“That got the crowd going,” Mrs Price said.
“We had 18 items and they were all sold.”
The committee had set a $20,000 target to help Peter’s Project improve cancer care services in the south-west.
It was in the process of finalising donation counts yesterday.
“I’m fairly sure we’ve exceeded that amount,” she said.
“Every cent goes to Peter’s Project.”
Mrs Price said plans were in the pipeline to make the Waves Gala Ball an annual event.
