The Gunnedah community helped Can Assist raise $10,000 for local cancer patients at the Spooky Saturday Halloween Mock Debutante Ball.
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Ten ‘debutantes’ and their partners stole the show in their reverse dress, with plenty of stained ball gowns and bloodied collars among them, but things didn’t go quite as planned.
“Just as we were about to announce the debs, the power went out,” Can Assist member Kate Knight said.
“Believe me, it was Halloween.”
Compere Ray Darcey came to the rescue with a portable PA and the evening continued under the glow of the security lights.
“The atmosphere was absolutely wonderful even though we had the blackout,” Mrs Knight said.
“The committee and members would like to thank the audience for staying around.
“I am truly overwhelmed by the response from the Gunnedah community and the support of the local business houses.”
Can Assist helps local cancer patients who might be struggling financially while they undergo treatment for their illness, by helping to pay such things as rates, electricity, telephone, pharmaceutical, accommodation, travel and associated costs.
Mrs Knight said the organisation’s vision is that “every country, community, family and individual should have equitable access to cancer care and support services”.
“Our small group of volunteers who consistently fundraise to provide this financial assistance are however restricted by policy to approach cancer patients and their families,” she said.
“This is where we seek your assistance – we ask that you provide a brochure to the patient which can be obtained from either of our members, help them to complete the application form provided in the back of the brochure and either return it to our PO Box or to one of our members, or by phoning 0455 135 973.
“Please be aware that confidentiality is of the utmost.”
