SINCE I started getting into fishing the one thing that has never ceased to amaze me is the sheer number of genuine and generous people I have met through the sport.
One such person is Jeff Manson from Botany Bay Game Fishing Club and the South Sydney Amateur Fishing Association. Twelve years ago, in the lead up to his 50th birthday, Jeff decided that instead of gifts from his guests he would like to give something back to the community. He held a dinner for 25 couples who were asked to pay $25 a head with all the money raised being donated to the Sydney Children’s Hospital.
After the success of the night Jeff, sought some support from the fishing industry and the following year held a mega-auction and raffle at the St George Motor Boat Club, again donating all the proceeds to the Sydney Children’s Hospital. Fast forward a couple of years and the aptly named ‘Fishing for Sick Kids’ charity events now involve a bi-annual charity dinner and auction, along with the Fishing for Sick Kids “Day on the Bay” where volunteer boats from both Botany Bay GFC and South Sydney AFA take kids from the hospital out for a day fishing in Botany Bay, followed by a BBQ and presentation in the Park.
The last dinner was attended by 150 guests and raised more than $32,000 which went directly towards the purchase of medical equipment for the Sydney Children’s Hospital.
On October 28 this year Jeff will be hosting the next ‘Fishing For Sick Kids’ Charity Dinner and I am hoping that we can help make this year’s event the most successful to date! We have had some great sponsors come on board for this year’s event, including a $10,000 cash prize donated for the raffle to be drawn on the night – however we still need some more help.
Event details (flyer invitation will be published soon)
When: Saturday, October 28, at 6:30pm
Where: The Grace Hotel, 77 York street Sydney
Tickets will be $160 per head, which includes canapés on arrival, three course meal and all beer, wine and soft drinks. An open bar applies from 10.30pm. The Grace Hotel is also doing a discounted price on rooms at $270 per night + $20 per head for breakfast if required.
If you think you’re able to help please contact:
Chloe Laurence – chloe@shefishes.com.au
Jeff Manson – spin-drift@bigpond.com or call 0419 398 226
