Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
(L-R) Brandon Bowls Club members Leo Kenny, Jayson Farry, Jamie Woods, Ben Mills, and David DeFranciscis. Photo: Jacob Casha
A Brandon Bowls Club charity event raised more than $30,000 for cancer care last Saturday, tripling its original $10,000 target as guests enjoyed social bowls under the stars.
Around 300 people packed the club’s Toll Street venue for the event, bowling in support of club member Jayson Farry, who was diagnosed with brain cancer earlier this year.
Raised through gate fees, beanie and hat sales and a “hugely successful” auction, all proceeds will be sent to the Mark Hughes Foundation and Brighter Lives Townsville—the latter dedicating the funds to journals for cancer patients.
Event organiser and emcee David DeFranciscis said the event was one of the “biggest ever hosted by the club.”
“It was just the Burdekin at its best,” he said.
“It was also the atmosphere. Everyone was laughing and joking, everyone got on with everyone—it was just one big, special night.
David estimated 70 non-bowlers stepped up to the mat on the night, while others enjoyed the live music and social atmosphere.
The event also saw Brighter Lives Townsville representative Stephanie Norton deliver a special address; David said her words were instrumental to the success of the fundraiser and raising awareness for the foundation.
“I think a lot of people were surprised by Brighter Lives and what they do. Stephanie spoke very well and inspired everyone,” he said.
Despite smashing fundraising targets, David said night’s greatest success was bringing the community together for Jayson and his family.
“It was a little bit sad that we had to have a brain cancer diagnosis for everyone to get together,” he said.
“Wouldn’t it be nice if we did something like this just to get together as a community without a reason?”
He said the event’s overall success inspired the to make it an annual affair, although admitted Saturday’s edition set a high bar.
“We’re still recovering from the weekend,” David laughed.
"We will probably do something next year, but it probably won't be as big.”
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