Preparing to undertake a feat like climbing Mt Kilimanjaro can be all consuming. Add to that raising funds for a charity and it becomes a truly mountainous effort.
On Saturday, July 28, Armidale residents can help local girls Deb Warren and Jenny Croaker achieve this dream at a Christmas in July Ball and auction at the Armidale City Bowling Club.
All funds raised will go towards Deb and Jenny’s $30,000 target for their Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Mt Kilimanjaro Challenge.
For Deb, who uses a guide dog, and Jenny who works as an Orientation & Mobility Instructor for Guide Dogs, the Kilimanjaro trek is as much a personal challenge as it is the opportunity to give back to Guide Dogs so it can continue assisting people with vision loss to be independent.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for friends to come together and enjoy a great night out, while also helping people with impaired vision to be independent,” said Jenny.
ABC New England North West radio presenters Kelly Fuller and Anna Moulder are MCs for the evening. From 6.30pm, guests will be welcomed by Christmas carollers, as they enjoy a complimentary drink and canapés. A fabulous three-course Christmas meal will follow, as well as a visit from Santa bearing bon bons and presents.
The charity auction will be a highlight of the evening, with rare items on offer including:
nA signed 2011 Wallabies jersey
nA signed 2011 NRL Warriors Grand Final jersey
nA cricket bat signed by the Australian 2006 Travelex South Africa tour team
n“The Smell of Wet Sneakers” framed photo by Tony Curulli
nThe Slap by Christos Tsiolkas, signed book and DVD
nFour tickets to the Newcastle Knights v Cronulla Sharks game
nThe Hanna movie poster signed Eric Bana
nOpenside by David Pocock, signed book
nVIP wine tastings at Ivanhoe Wines and Tulloch Wines
nA beautiful painting entitled, “Two Mates” has been donated by Grafton artist, Julie Hutchings. In a gallery, this painting would fetch over $2800.
Tickets are $75 and available from the Armidale City Bowling Club prior to the Ball.
If you can’t make it, consider being a virtual guest for $30. A virtual guest is unable to attend but still enjoys the Ball as their photo floats on a balloon around the room to mingle with guests and pose for photos. After the Ball, virtual guests will receive photos from the night. To be a virtual guest, contact Jenny on 0429 309 379 for details.
Guide Dogs relies on the generosity of the public and provides its services free of charge.
Services are tailored to suit people with different levels of vision impairment, including training in how to use guide dogs, long canes, electronic travel aids and their remaining vision to be able to get around safely, confidently and independently.
For more information about Deb and Jenny’s mountainous challenge, visit http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/GuideDogsNSWACTKiliTrek2012/community, www.guidedogs.com.au or call 02 9412 9300.
