On the eve of the Trundle ABBA Festival, where some 6000 people descended on the village dressed in lycra and sequins, an amazing $16,500 was raised for all women’s cancers.

Organisers of the official Cancer Council event, Carolyn Keep and Debbie Veal, are over the moon with the result.

“The outpouring of support from our wonderful town and generous visitors is simply heartwarming,” Carolyn said.

“It is quite an emotional night, everyone there has been touched by cancer in one way or another.”

In excess of 500 people turned up to the Trundle Services and Citizens Club for the fun-filled fundraising evening, where the drawcard was popular ABBA tribute band, FABBA.

“The auction alone raised more than $8000,” Carolyn said.

“Cheree Stokes’ painting sold for $2500 and local artist John Grady’s Pink Flamingos went for $1400.”

“The beautiful Trundle Day Centre ladies, none of them under the age of 80, knitted squares in every shade of pink imaginable and a 92-year-old member crocheted them all together into a gorgeous rug which sold for $375.

“Our wonderful CWA ladies made so many lovely pink items for the auction and the merchandise table which also made a lot of money.”

Carolyn said there is so much positivity around the fundraising event which is going from strength to strength, raising $11,000 last year and $6500 in 2016.

“Once again we filled the enormous barrel with tickets for the 40 odd raffle prizes,” she said.

“Trundle Central School were amazing. They held their own little fundraiser and presented us with $600, and all their staff were there selling tickets on the night.

“We are very happy with the result, a big thank you to the whole town - every business was decorated in pink.

“There were so many local people who donated items and helped out on the night.

“Also a big thank you to the Club, auctioneer Rob Hellyer and the Pink Panther, who was as naughty as ever!”

Keep Friday, May 5, free next year and don’t miss this special night.