Organisers of the Keith Thomson Appeal are thrilled by the response to this Saturday night's Dinner and Auction which will be held at the Parkes Leagues Club.
More than 250 people are expected to attend the fundraiser to support Keith Thomson who was left a quadriplegic after a freakish fall at the Parkes Showground Paceway.
Chief organiser, Cheryl Thompson said that support continued to be forthcoming for the Auction with more than 100 items up for grabs on Saturday night.
‘You name it, and we’ve got it,’ Mrs Thompson said, after noting that members of the steering committee were still taking calls from people wanting to make donations.
Bernie and Cath Hewitt were amongst the latest donors to come forward, providing a racing sulky for auction.
TABCorp has provided a $500 Betting Credit Voucher while there is also a boxing glove signed by Jeff Fenech which has been donated by ‘the Bugman’, Paul Lewin and 20 bags of Chaff from Daryle and Nicky Rusten.
Another huge and generous donation was made by Peter Markham who has provided a service to his promising stallion, Cardmaster Hanover.
Breeders will have the chance to secure this service along with those previously donated including Trump Casino (Wayne and Anne Lamb) and Surfing Safari (Greg Harris and Ross and Margaret Chisholm).
Other items up for auction include a Neil Harvey signed and framed cricket bat and another signed by Michael Clarke.
Signed Penrith (2), Parramatta, St George, Canterbury and Waratahs football Guernseys will also be auctioned while the UHRA have provided a framed mini Australian football jumper signed by Johnny Raper, Reg Gasnier and Graeme Langlands.
A Manly framed team of the century print from Sea Eagles legend, Peter Peters is on offer along with a number of other items of cricket memorabilia.
There are also items of art, photos, shopping vouchers, horse products, giftware, furniture and personal services on offer which will make for a very busy night.
One of the most interesting fundraisers for the night is still an unknown.
Former trainer, driver, Ross Smith vowed to have his head shaved if $1,000 was donated through collection tins that he distributed throughout Parkes.
The tins have been counted and the amount will be announced on Saturday night but it is likely that Smith will be sporting a new look.
Spokesperson for the Thomson family, Megan Heraghty (Keith’s daughter) said that the family is so grateful for the support that has been given by so many people.
‘Dad gets very emotional, every time the appeal is mentioned,’ Megan said.
‘That aside, we are all looking forward to Saturday night where we will get the chance to thank many of the people who have supported us and who have been so generous.’
Apart from being a successful and worthwhile fundraiser, Saturday’s function will be a great get together for the harness racing industry generally.
It is not that often that a wide cross section of the harness racing industry gets the chance to mix socially and with a large contingent from Sydney heading to Parkes to join locals and participants from many country venues, it’s sure to be a real morale booster.
Those attending will also be treated to great entertainment from top Victorian country band, Jettyroad.
Tickets in a fantastic raffle of a full barbecue package which was put together by David Harris and his family and friends can be purchased at the Parkes Leagues Club.
Those who cannot make it on Saturday but who are keen to make a bid on any of the auction items can contact Allan Thomson on 0429 621 904 or Troy Peters on 0422 825 645.