Lennie fundraiser makes $7000
A HIGHLY successful Lennie Gwyther Statue Fundraiser in Leongatha on Saturday night has netted the appeal $7,000.
This has boosted the funds raised so far to $35,000, just $10,000 short of the $45,000 approximately needed to have the bronze statue of Lennie and his horse Ginger Mick struck into bronze.
Members of the Leongatha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which organised the night, were delighted with the turnout of 160 people, including many members of the Gwyther family.
Chamber member Peter Watchorn said money was raised through sales of tickets on the night, sales of the Lennie Gwyther history book, an auction of four items, plus the sale of 10 keys, of which one opened a lock for $1000.
“The $1000 was won by Kath Clark ,” Mr Watchorn said.
The night started with a performance by four members of the Leongatha Primary School who sang two songs from the recent Lennie the Legend school play.
The play tells the tale of Lennie Gwyther, who aged nine, rode his pony Ginger Mick to Sydney from Leongatha – 1000km over 33 days – to witness the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Local singer Jackie Van Velzen then sang four songs before the auction of goods. Finally it was the turn of Greg Champion of Coodabeen Champions fame, to entertain the crowd with many songs, mostly of AFL footy flavour.
“The night was fantastic. We much appreciate the efforts of the primary school children, our wonderful local singer Jackie, and of course Greg Champion, who told me later the audience were great and very receptive,” Mr Watchorn said.
“Thanks to the Gwyther family who came along for the night including Lennie’s sisters Beryl and Lita, Lennie’s daughter Mary and granddaughter Sally. Thanks to everyone for turning out and supporting the night and to the chamber helpers too for backing this event.”
Chamber member Glenn Wright worked hard on the night keeping things moving as MC and also running the auction.
With a couple of surprise announcements of more funding about to come, the magic $45,000 is not too far away.
Encore: Beryl Ferrier, centre, (Lennie Gwyther’s sister) catches up with Leongatha Primary School students who performed two songs from Lennie the Legend. From left, Hamish Box (Leo, Lennie’s dad), Piper Goldsmith (Clara, Lennie’s mum), Sharni Campbell (Lennie) and Ashley Geary (Lennie).
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Posted by Tayla Kershaw on Nov 22 2016. Filed under Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
