Tickets are now on sale for what is destined to be Cootamundra's biggest social event for 2020 - the Bling It On Charity Ball.
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In addition to being a fantastic night out, the ball, to be held on Saturday, March 21, at the Cootamundra Town Hall, will also raise funds for one of Cootamundra's most-valued and utilised organisations - Can Assist.
Cootamundra Can Assist has been supporting the Cootamundra district's cancer patients and their families for decades, providing accommodation, financial assistance and practical support. Can Assist is committed to ensuring that all people, regardless of where they live, have access to cancer treatment and care.
After enduring almost 12 months of treatment for an aggressive and fast-growing breast cancer, Bling It On Charity Ball committee member Melinda Chambers, 43, says she saw first hand the impact of endless travel, treatment, tests and appointments has on sufferers and their families.
"Having a cancer diagnosis is not only emotionally draining but financially it does take its toll. Cancer is certainly not something you have in your five year plan but the stats are pretty scary and sadly chances are cancer has already touched you in some way or it will in the future," Melinda said.
Organisers see the ball as an opportunity for the community to come together and have a fun night out, while supporting an organisation that is providing such a vital service within the district.
"The offers of help and sponsorship have been amazing - both big and small. The response and community spirit from local businesses has been unbelievable," Melinda said.
"It just goes to show what a wonderful little town we live in - everyone pitching in and doing their bit to help one another. Together we can make a difference."
It also, unfortunately, is an indication of how far-reaching this dreaded disease has become.
"Cancer has touched the lives of everyone you speak to. There are so many families and locals who are going through cancer treatment right now in our community," Melinda said.
Tickets to the event cost $120 per person and are available from Jak + Jill. Dress is black tie and guests will enjoy a complementary drink on arrival. A bar will be available to purchase drinks.
Guests will be treated to canapes provided by Planted and live music from Simone Thornet with her beautiful sultry voice and then dance the night away with rugby league legend Eric Grothe and his band the Gurus. Start time is 6.30pm.
There will be no auctions during the night and you don't need a table as the event is cocktail style.
In conjunction with the ball, the committee is also running a raffle, with first prize a fantastic three-night cruise with Royal Caribbean valued at $3800 and a $500 shopping spree at Jak + Jill to take on board. Tickets are $20 each and available from local businesses. This weekend, February 15, committee members will be selling raffle tickets and tickets to the ball out the front of The Central Hotel - all proceeds again going to Can Assist.
"At the end of the day, we just want everyone to come along, put on a bit of bling and have an enjoyable night out," Melinda said.
"Helping a wonderful organisation like Cootamundra Can Assist is a bonus."
Follow the Bling It on Charity Ball on Facebook.