As momentum builds for GV Health Foundation’s $5 million fundraising appeal, another local sporting club has snapped up the opportunity to donate a chunk of cash from what they hope will be a thrilling display for the public this weekend.
Shepparton Lady Gators’ talent, including local legends and imports from the United States, Taiwan and Hong Kong, will tear up the court on Sunday afternoon at Shepparton Sports Stadium.
Greater Shepparton Basketball Association president Peter Sutherland said supporting the foundation’s I Care for Cancer Care @ GV Health campaign made sense.
“When you think about how many players have been through the system or are nurses, it’s just such a perfect fit,” Mr Sutherland said.
“GSBA life member Judy Bogdan, one of the foot soldiers of the GSBA who is always wanting to help, suggested this Sunday’s game as a fundraiser, so, we thought we’ll donate the door.”
Mr Sutherland said local, national and international basketball sensation Maddie Garrick will in attendance, along with “Shepp’s most decorated local player, Jodie Danaher,” and former Lady Gators stars Ashlee Cann and Hayley Mills, to throw their support behind the appeal.
“Local businesses, including Traffik (Boutique), Blizzards (Fine Jewellers) and Trelly’s (Outdoor), have come on board donating prizes for the day,” he said.
“This, and the all abilities, are the most exciting things we’ve done this year.
“Having a relationship with GV Health Foundation, that’s something we’ll continue to do.
“This year we’re on L-plates, next year we’ll have it in Formula 1 mode.”
GV Health Foundation and Fundraising director Amy De Paola said the foundation was incredibly grateful to the Lady Gators for supporting the appeal to help work towards its $5 million community fundraising target for a new integrated cancer centre at GV Health in Shepparton.
“This appeal belongs to our whole community, so it’s great to see local sporting clubs getting behind a cause that will benefit families across our region for generations to come,” Ms De Paola said.
“We thank the Gators and everyone involved for helping bring integrated cancer care closer to home.”
The Gators will clash with Mornington on Sunday, July 19.
Tip-off is at 1.30pm at Shepparton Sports Stadium.
Tickets at the door cost $10 and all proceeds will be donated to GV Health Foundation’s I Care for Cancer Care @ GV Health fundraising appeal.
