Prior to 6000 ABBA fans descending on Trundle – in their bell bottom pants, and mini skirts and dresses – on May 6, the village turned a little pink to help a big cause.
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The Friday night before the 2017 Trundle ABBA Festival kicked off, the Trundle Services Club glowed in pink for the second annual Cancer Council Pink Ribbon fundraiser.
And what a night it was, with event organiser Carolyn Keep tallying $11,000 raised – almost doubling last year’s total.
Carolyn was blown away by the result and overall success of this year’s event.
“Last year we raised almost $6405 and I was really happy with that,” she said.
“I was really hoping to do at least $10,000 this year!”
Carolyn is a breast cancer survivor and has been cancer free for nearly two years.
She decided to organise the annual fundraiser to give back to a charity that helped her and to support other women who have cancer.
Tactfully, Carolyn took full advantage of the large crowds the ABBA Festival draws to the town in days leading up to the event.
“Our first year was last year,” she said.
“We decided to hold it the Friday night before the festival because there are so many visitors in town with nothing to do.”
Carolyn estimated 750 people attended the event and found the support overwhelming.
Trundle Central School held their own Pink Ribbon fundraiser the day prior as well, on Thursday, and handed Carolyn a $250 cheque on the Friday night.
The night featured an all-pink raffle – which included more than 30 pink prizes, a silent auction, Cancer Council merchandise stall and a guest appearance from the Pink Panther.
Trundle Central School head teacher Gerry Capel also kindly organised the entertainment of five local bands, who all generously offered their time free of charge.
And the Trundle Children’s Centre cooked the barbecue at the back of the premises until midnight.
“It restores your faith in humanity,” Carolyn said.
“People are so giving and so generous, nothing is too much for them.
“So many people and families are affected by or know someone suffering from women’s cancers...it would have been an emotional night for everyone.”