The recent Trundle ABBA Festival might have grabbed the headlines, but the night before an extraordinary event took place that put the town’s real heart on show.
The Pink Night was not only filled with many moving stories, but raised an incredible $20,458 for women’s cancer. “We laugh a lot, and we always cry,” said Carolyn Keep, who organised the event with Debbie Veale for the fourth time this year.
“It’s a night filled with emotion, compassion and determination to help in any way we can to end the loss from cancer,” said Carolyn, who was diagnosed three years ago.
When Carolyn secured celebrity sports presenter Michael Cain from Channel 10 to host the night, she knew it was going to be great. Michael managed to collect some amazing sporting memorabilia for auction with the NRL premium grand final tickets getting the highest bid of the night. A woman from Forbes, who lost her husband to cancer, bought it for $1,275.
“And that’s how the night rolls – so many beautiful people all with a cancer story.”
Another highlight was Janette Fry’s story about how dragon boating has become a big part of her life since surviving cancer.
Carolyn could not thank her community and donors enough for the support. “We don’t ask for any donations or advertise for helpers, it just comes. Everything in the auction is dropped off leading up to the event. We had over 36 prizes and items in both raffle and auction.”
The Trundle Central School’s student representative council joined in and held their very own Pink Day selling lollies and cupcakes and managed to raise $400. The school captain Harrison Williams presented the money on the night providing another “warm, fuzzy moment”. According to Carolyn the school principal also insists on printing its newsletter on pink paper every year. “Need I say any more about the true beauty of this event?”
As live music played at the back of the Trundle Services and Citizens Club keeping the dance floor packed, the Pink Night has become a fun filled event for the community and ABBA fans with a five star feel good rating.
“I feel so lucky to live in Trundle, the tiny town with the biggest heart on the planet,” said Carolyn.
By Maggi Barnard