22 May 2024
A packed Horsham Town Hall celebrated Mother's Day in a heart-warming event that honoured the life of a special Horsham mother.
The entertaining high tea event raised an incredible $16,000 for Grampians Health's heart health program and a further $8000 for Royal Flying Doctors Service.
Event organisers Robyn Lardner and Marchesini sisters Teresa and Mary initiated the idea to honour their close friend Susan Schilling who passed away suddenly from a heart attack in November 2021. The sisters received a standing ovation on the day in recognition of their many years of benevolence to the Wimmera community.
During the event, ACE Radio announcer Emma Clark chatted with Horsham cardiac patient Judy Carter about her own experience with heart disease. Judy spoke of the many and varied warning signs that people need to heed.
More than 40 Horsham businesses supported the event with donations and raffle prizes. The 150-plus attendees were entertained throughout the afternoon by RFDS Education Program Manager and part-time trombonist Captain Tom Ryan with his band Shrewd Brass.
Accepting the cheque from Maria Marchesini at the event, Grampians Health Public Relations Manager/West Peter Miller thanked organisers, sponsors and the community supporting the fundraiser and also acknowledged the many who brought pictures of their departed mothers to the event.
"It was overwhelming to see the support for the event and the incredible amount of work that Mary, Teresa and Robyn had done with the backing of their team of volunteers," Mr Miller said.
"The generous $10,000 donation from our anonymous philanthropist was the literal icing on the high tea cake and we are very grateful to that person also."
Grampians Health Head of Fundraising and Foundation Sarah Masters said the $16,000 would be used to support heart health programs at the Horsham campus including the Cardiac Rehabilitation program.
Grampians Health Public Relations Manager/West Peter Miller accepts
the $16,000 cheque from Theresa and Maria Marchesini and Robyn Lardner.