Community

FN Port Stephens Raises $62,016 at Chopper Ball 

FN Port Stephens recently announced that its Chopper Ball successfully raised $62,016 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

Hosted at the Shoal Bay Country Club, the 1930’s themed event was conceived by FN Port Stephens (Salamander Bay, NSW) principal, Rebecca Dean, to bring back the excitement and community connection she remembers well, growing up in Port Stephens.

“The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is such an important part of our community and has always been here for us when we have needed it,” said Ms Dean.

“When I was a kid, Chopper Balls used to be an exciting annual event and I remember how they always used to bring our whole community together. Last year, it occurred to me that we really should be doing them again and, gradually, we managed to pull this entire event together. It turned out to be a wonderful evening that raised much-needed funds to support a vital service saves lives in our region every year.”

Rebecca has expressed her appreciation to the many locals who bought tickets and donated fundraising items, as well as for the major sponsors of the Chopper Ball, which included the Shoal Bay Country Club, Port Stephens Council, Pure Property Management, House of Habitats, Hunter Valley Concrete Pumping Service and Marquis.

During the evening, entertainment was provided by Richard Jones, and auctioneer Gavin Reynolds raised pulses to generate spirited bidding for the donated items.

“It would have been impossible to make the Chopper Ball a success without the generosity of so many within our community” says Rebecca.

“So many small businesses jumped onboard without a second thought, offering donations, raffles and prizes, that we were overwhelmed by the community spirit generated.”  

FN Maitland Against Domestic Abuse

FN Maitland (NSW) had a busy weekend, after rallying support for the Maitland Against Domestic Abuse dinner and then heading over to FN Port Stephens, where they and FN Hawks Nest (NSW) supported Rebecca Dean’s Chopper Ball fundraiser.

FN Mudgee Swims for CanAssist

FN Mudgee (NSW) took part in Mudgee High School’s swimming relay to raise funds for CanAssist. Principal, Tim O’Brien led the charge, Ally Stott contributed speed, TJ Lee wanted to show off on her old turf and the entire team swam their hardest.