Benefit for Tegan raises $50,000 towards operation

THE Tegan Sharp benefit day was a great success, raising about $50,000 through auctions, silent auctions, raffles and donations.

Tegan suffers from a severe case of cerebral palsy and is under care 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

The back operation she has to have with ongoing care and recuperation will cost about $100,000.

Tegan, who is 15 years old, has the love and care of her parents Mark and Narrelle, and younger brothers Mitchell, 11, and Nelson, seven.

Event spokesman Keith Cole said the crowd was kept entertained with MC i98's Marty Haynes and speakers Kerry McCann, Darren Mercer and Mark "Spud" Carroll all did a great job.

All gave a little insight into the training and competition that made them all world class athletes, along with some funny stories about things that happened during their careers.

"The auctioneer on the day was Ray White Helensburgh's Ron Kissell, who did a great job and got the moths out of everyone's wallets and sold every piece of memorabilia that was on offer," Mr Cole said.

"Thirroul Bowling and Recreation Club put on a brilliant show, with the food and service being second to none, and to do this with about 300 people and keep all running on schedule is no mean feat.

"Dave Gelder gave a Matt Haydon signed bat, which was donated by the Macquarie Bank and marked his 380 Test runs record. It sold for $2500.

"Dave rang his boss and told him of the sale and his boss then donated another bat and it the sold or $2200.

"That was what the day was about, people putting their hand up and making it count.

"I think one of the reasons it was so successful was the advertising done by the local papers and the posters and tickets that were done by Brad and Julie Smith at Bulli Printery, which stood out in nearly every business in the northern suburbs."