In January, Leanne Hook and the Merriwa and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry Incorporated held the ‘Let’s Party’ event in support of MND NSW.
The event featured Elvis Tribute Artist Nigel Stanley, and a delicious dinner for attendees, raising an amazing $13,164 to assist people living with MND!
Leanne gave an overview of the event:
“The Merriwa community recently joined forces with a shared purpose: to support the vital work of MND NSW. The “Let’s Party” Fundraiser was a testament to the profound impact a committed rural community can have on the lives of those living with Motor Neurone Disease.
Crucially, this initiative was driven by a dedicated group operating as a sub-committee of the Merriwa and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry Incorporated, ensuring a professional and coordinated approach to our fundraising goals.
A Comprehensive Fundraising Effort
The success of the initiative was driven by a multi-faceted approach that engaged the community across several weeks:
- Engagement: The momentum began with a highly successful Trivia Night and a competitive Online Auction and Raffle, which galvanized local support well ahead of the main event.
- The Final Push: Demonstrating the community’s ongoing commitment, a post-event BBQ was held following the festivities, raising an impressive $1,000 on its own.
Exceptional Support from MND NSW
We would like to extend a special thank you to the team at MND NSW. Their support throughout the planning and execution phases was nothing short of incredible.
No question was too small or “silly,” and no problem was too large for them to help us solve. Their guidance and accessibility were instrumental in making this event a success.
Corporate and Community Partnership
We are proud to acknowledge the local businesses and organisations whose sponsorship and donations were vital to this
result:
• Alexander Downs Wholesale Meats, Home Hardware Merriwa, newsXpress Merriwa, and IGA + Liquor Merriwa.
• Merriwa Cakes and Pastries, Merriwa Pharmacy, and the Merriwa Tourist Welcoming Centre and Men’s Shed.
• R and A Rodgers, Kingslyn, RM Property and Livestock, RA and SA Cronin, and Frampton Farms.
• Rotary Merriwa and the Merriwa and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry INC.
Leadership and Volunteer Dedication
This initiative was made possible by the tireless work of our sub-committee and volunteers. We wish to recognise the following individuals for their leadership and dedication:
Neville and Leanne Hook, Ray and Carlita McConnell, Jim and Kerry Greentree, Mark, Kim and Tess Grocott, Neil and Debbie Hunt, Sue Cronin, Stephanie Hook, Nicki Carroll, Nyssa Caban, Ebony Petett, Miranda Boland, and Megan Richards.
The Merriwa community is deeply grateful for the partnership with MND NSW. We are proud of the funds raised and the awareness generated, and we are already looking forward to delivering another successful event in 2027.”
So save the date for the next Let’s Party event, currently scheduled for 2 January 2027!
A big thank you from MND NSW to the organisers and patrons of the 2026 event, your fundraising efforts will help us provide assistive equipment, education and information for people living with MND.
