$1m raised by local charity

The Midwest community celebrated in style on Saturday night, with the 6th annual Mitchell and Brown Midwest Charity Begins at Home gala dinner, but the biggest celebrations came when the one million dollar mark was passed. In just six years, this local Midwest charity, run by local women, has donated over $1,000,000.00 to local residents in financial need due to cancer or serious illness.

Starting in 2008, this year’s event was the biggest to date and raised an incredible $280,000.00 on the night. 420 guests were entertained by fire twirlers, dancers and an oyster bar for this years ‘fire and ice’ theme. Special guest and MC, Peter Rowsthorn had the crowd in fits of laughter, the highlight being his famous ‘E.T.’ , and spent the night mingling with the crowd.

The major auctions were a huge success with the brilliant Tiny Holly taking to the stage to raise the tally up over the million dollar mark.

Special guests for the night Darren Middleton, Leo Owen, Ethan Mason and Rattana Chester, along with their families were introduced to the crowd as the children were spoilt with surprise gifts. Video’s showcasing their stories and that of the charity were received with great enthusiasm.

The event was catered for by Dalgleish Catering and the hall was aglow with fairy lights and glowing centrepieces to fit in with the theme. Perth Band Our Generation ended the night with a packed dance floor and set covering the 60’s, 70’s and more.

Committee member Chris Dobson, could not thank the volunteers enough. “The work our incredible volunteers do each year at this event is awesome. The night would not run without them, and we are so proud to have them come back each year and offer their time!” All the money raised through Midwest Charity Begins at Home is given straight back to the Midwest community, with committee members Renee Doyle, Chris Dobson, Narelle Dennett, Anne-Marie Hopkinson, Amanda Miragliotta, Clarissa Green, Maree Kennedy and Mel Sorgiovanni – all donating their time throughout the year to bring it all together.

“Our sponsors are incredible. Year after year they come back to support us, and each year, new sponsors join us to help provide what we do. To have been able to help over 63 local Midwest families is a great achievement for our committee and with the success of 2013, we are on track to help even more!”