The evening featured an auction of a variety of goods and services donated for the event – including an extremely generous donation of three $1,000 service labour vouchers as well as CASE IH children’s toys from Carruthers Machinery in Cowra.  

Event organiser Catherine Blyth said she was “overwhelmed” by the support and generosity of the local community for this event.  

“Backing from local media really helped spread the word with Canowindra News, Neil Gill (Triple M Central West) and ACB Radio all playing a part in promoting the event at no charge,” Catherine said.

“The highlight for the evening was thanks to the auctioneering talents of local James Watson and his ability to push bidding to amazing highs on the items up for grabs.”  

Catherine said: “In all, there was approximately $8,000 raised at the fundraiser.”

All funds raised have been donated to Dolly’s Dream, a charity that was established in memory of Amy “Dolly” Everett, after she had been a victim of bullying and ended her young life at just 14 years of age.

Dolly’s Dream will work to create positive change and help prevent the lives of other children being lost, and act as a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Dolly’s Dream will:

• Raise awareness in communities, children and parents about the serious issue of bullying and its devastating effects

• Work to prevent and address Bullying issues in the community

• Deliver information on ways to mitigate bullying, including cyber bullying, within school communities and to those in need

• Change cultures in the community to prevent bullying, and

• Support victims of bullying

Money raised for Dolly’s Dream will go to programs and services to achieve Dolly’s Dream’s purpose.

An Advisory Board has been set up and will make recommendations on how to best spend funds and ensure Dolly’s Dream’s programs and services have the greatest impact.

Catherine thanked all businesses and people who supported the evening.

If you or someone you know is a victim of bullying, you can find more information and support through:

The Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 www.kidshelp.com.au,

Parents Helpline 1300 1300 52  www.parentline.org.au or

Bullying No Way! www.bullyingnoway.gov.au.