A sub-committee of the Cure For MND Foundation is running an ice bucket challenge on August 23 at the breakwater from 9am. The group also hopes to raise $20,000 from a masquerade ball on September 5.

Meanwhile, Allansford woman Laureen O’Brien is running a music and dance night at the Dennington Bowls Club for MND Victoria on September 12, in memory of her sister-in-law.

Rebecca Ross, who lost her sister Jacinta Baulch to MND last year, said raising awareness and supporting Cure For MND had been part of a healing process for some of the local organisers.

“A few of us who formed a sub-committee have had our lives touched by MND,” she said.

”It's helped so much in my healing process after losing my sister. One thing she wanted when facing her battle was more awareness raised.

"Since her passing, so many more people know what MND is and are aware and raising funds so that hopefully one day we will beat the beast.”

Mrs Ross said support for the masquerade ball had been tremendous so far.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by community generosity with organising donations,” she said. “A lot of community sponsors have come on board with cash donations, products and voucher donations.”

She said former AFL player and coach Neale Daniher was also helping out with his fund-raising drive around Victoria, which stops in Warrnambool on October 15.

Mrs O’Brien, said she had wanted to hold a charity event since her sister-in-law Win Wilkinson died about 14 years ago.

“I didn't know what MND was until Win had it,” she said.

“She was a very fit lady so to see her deteriorate and not be able to talk, full of tubes, lying there flat – it was upsetting. She was a gem of a woman.

“I said at that stage, ‘I must do something’.”

Mrs O’Brien’s own struggles with health and personal hardships got in the way of organising a fund-raiser, but after suffering a recent stroke, she decided now was the time to do something.

“I had a stroke and when I was lying there I thought ‘if I don't do it now I might not get a chance’.”

She said the Dennington event would be all about having a good time with live music, raffles and giveaways.

“The first three letters of fund-raiser are F-U-N, and that's what I’m hoping for – a fun night,” she said.

“I hope a whole lot of friendship and warmth is going on there. 

“If the mood takes somebody for rock and roll or a waltz that's fine, they can do anything.”

Tickets can be bought by calling 5565 1328 or at the door. 

The masquerade ball at Warrnambool College will include silent and live auctions, mystery bag raffles and finger food for $60 a ticket. 

Bookings and information can be made at www.curemnd.org.au.