|
 
 
 
Wow! The second annual Winter Solstice Luncheon was a resounding success, despite a few hiccups along the way.
The snap teachers strike left a number of our ladies scrambling for child care and Catherine Deveny joined us with less than 24 hours notice, stepping in for Nelly Thomas who is 6 months pregnant, battling a nasty flu and under strict doctors orders to stay in bed. Catherine certainly delivered an amazing performance. She was vibrant, exciting, hilarious but also provided reflection about life and our neighbours and the importance of looking after each other.
The room was buzzing from the moment the first glass of bubbles or Rochester Ginger touched lips. All those women in the one room produce a lot of noise, together with a lot of goodwill and amazing generosity.
Together, we raised in excess of $20,000 (That’s double the amount raised last year. Well done ladies!) which will support the expansion of the National Perinatal Depression Services Database to help callers to the PANDA Helpline from throughout Australia to link into vital services and supports within their state or territory. The lunch not only raised money but provided an opportunity to raise awareness of antenatal and postnatal depression directly with women PANDA would not normally get to interact with.
The luncheon flew by and by its end, no-one walked away empty handed.
A few comments we have received:
"What a classy event. Just the right balance - great food, fantastic entertainment and the best auction and raffle prizes I've seen in a long time. Well done girls!" - Michelle
"This was the most exciting lunch I've been to in Bayside - and I've been to many!" - Kate
"I thoroughly enjoyed the day and thought it was one of the most well organised events I have been to. Well done ladies for all your efforts. It's a nice surprise when something exceeds your expectation". - Leanne
"I came with a friend today but I'm definitely booking a table for next year, if I can get one!". - Lisa
"Jody and Silla all credit to you for your hard work and energy. I still can't wipe the smile off my face after such a beautiful afternoon". - Catherine
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped to make it such a memorable day. We would especially like to thank the wonderful PANDA volunteers who assisted on the admin side and to all our generous donors who donated the wonderful auction items, prizes and goodie bag gifts. Our heartfelt thanks goes to you.
Bellevue's Jody Allatt & Silla Moller with the PANDA team and comedian Catherine Deveny
Article in the Bayside Leader
|
