Pair banking on dance bid

By Emma Sun
TWO residents are hosting a Dinner Dance and Auction Night fundraiser to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis Victoria (CFV), to be held in Cranbourne.
Pakenham resident Mardi, who is a parent of two children living with the genetic condition, teamed up with friend Caroline to start this event.
Mardi, a nurse with the Southern Health Network, said living with cystic fibrosis is difficult, but it is something she has adjusted to.
“My kids have a very mild case with different severities so it’s not so hard for me,” she said.
“But (living with) this is all I know, I don’t know anything else. I think having a medical background and a bit more understanding of the physiological side of things makes it slightly better.”
A baby is born with cystic fibrosis every four days in Australia and treatment is relentless, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for life.
“There are currently 24 adults and 25 children with cystic fibrosis in the Cardinia, Casey and Baw Baw Shire that are registered with CFV, but the actual number would be significantly higher,” Mardi said.
The Dinner Dance and Auction Night will feature live auctions, silent auctions and a live band.
Goods worth more than $12,500 have been donated by local businesses and items up for grabs include a golf membership, a fishing trip for two with the Victorian Champion, holidays, power tools and much more.
Mardi said she hopes to raise $25,000 for CFV.
“We’ve got 180 people who are definitely coming – from that we’ll raise about $3,500 just on tickets,” she said.
“I’m hoping for about 250 people to come.”
The Dinner Dance and Auction Night will be held at Amberlee Receptions in Cranbourne on Friday 22 July.
Tickets cost $65 per person and include Christmas dinner and sweets. Tickets need to be purchased prior to close of business Sunday 10 July for catering purposes.
For any inquiries, to book tickets or to donate goods for the auction, please call Mardi on 0428 345 000 or Caroline 0423 527 421.