THE heat was on as the Gunnedah Hotshots strutted their stuff on the catwalk on Saturday night, raising more than $22,000 for the 2015 Firefighter Championships.
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Fifteen Gunnedah residents took on the challenge to help raise money for the championships, with 10 brave men dressing as “who or what they would rather be” for the dinner held at the Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club.
The night kicked off with a two-course dinner followed by MC, John Campbell announcing the hotshots, with the youngest contestant, 14-year-old Kurt Fairfull, making his debut as a rodeo clown.
Kurt was also awarded for his efforts, after raising more than $2200 towards the total, placing him third in the fund-raising stakes.
Local real estate agent John Harford had the crowd in fits of laughter as he hit the stage dressed as a priest.
Ray McCoy came as a radio announcer for country music week and tossed straw hats out to the crowd, while Brock Stone hit the catwalk wearing a dog “onesie” and entertained the audience when he made off with a bag of dog food from the auction table.
Shane Rampling, complete with blow-up dolphin, said he wanted to be a dolphin trainer, while Patrick Thurston thought a day-in-the-life of a pirate would be fun.
John Campbell assisted Evan Piefke with donning his wig as he made his appearance as a burlesque dancer, to the amusement of the audience.
Local plumber and retained firefighter Ben Wilkinson appeared in complete firefighter uniform before slowly taking off each article to reveal a cyclist’s suit.
Ben raised more than $2600, which placed him second.
Police officer Damien Wood was declared the fundraiser winner, adding more than $3300 to the championships kitty.
He thought he would try his hand at fighting crime in a different way, and came as a superhero.
The hotshots walked through the crowd with firefighting hats to collect more money for the cause.
Other fundraisers were Mick Lawman, Hughie Berry, Julie Goodwin, Peter Patterson, Sam Woods and Ed Howarth.
Organiser Deputy Captain Glenn Swift thanked a number of businesses and individuals for contributing to the success of the event and aiding in the fundraising efforts, as well as the contestants.
“These contestants have been busy raising money through activities such as selling raffle tickets, participating and promoting a pie drive, seeking donations from businesses within our community and by other means thought up by them,” Deputy Captain Swift said.
“Shane Rampling held a Marbles Day, and Ben, Brock and Damien sold meat raffle tickets at local hotels on the weekends – the efforts the Hot Shots have gone to has been beyond all expectations.
“On behalf of the Gunnedah Fire Station, I would like to thank each and everyone of them for their tremendous efforts in helping us to ensure the Gunnedah Firefighter Championships is a huge success.
“I would also like to thank the Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club, Carol Hardy and the Gunnedah Miners Support Group, Colleen Fuller, Andrew Cherry and Rhonda Fordham for all their help.”
Raffles and an auction concluded the night.
Major raffle prizes were won by Emelia Maher (Sydney Harbour Bridge climb), Rosemary Constable (Dinner at Graze Restaurant and one nights accommodation at the Willow Tree Inn), and Pat Constable ($200 voucher to the Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club).
In the lead up to the event, if businesses donated $100 or more, they went in a draw to win $1000 worth of advertising on 2MO, which was won by Market Fresh 2U.
The Gunnedah Firefighter Championships will be held at the Woolshed Reserve on March 14-15, 2015, with 11 events, including hose and hydrant operations and rescue gear, testing out the skills of firefighters.
“We have caught the championship bug and want to continue competing in order to improve our skills and ability to perform the basic firefighting tasks through regular training and competition,” Deputy Captain Swift said.
“It’s a dream come true for us to host the championships, and a great chance to put Gunnedah on the map.”