Friends and family of Pearcedale man Murray West, who died suddenly in June, enjoyed an evening of fine food and entertainment at a dinner dance to raise funds for his three young children. From left: Randell West, Travis Fountain, Steve Wilson, Ian Osborne, Bob Griffin and Warren Champion dressed to impress.By Alison Noonan
A FUNDRAISING dinner for the family of Pearcedale man Murray West, who died earlier this year, has raised $45,000.
The 34yearold father of three suffered a brain aneurism after leaving the Tooradin Sports Club with his wife, Katrina, on 26 June.
His brother Randell said the family had been overwhelmed at the massive show of community support in the wake of the tragedy, apparent by the turnout to Friday night’s black tie event.
Almost 300 people packed the Grand International to raise money for the trust fund set up for Mr West’s three young children, Hollie, 6, and twins Connor and Cruiz, 3.
“We are still counting but it looks like we may reach $45,000 just from Friday night.
“We didn’t know how many people would come but the community really got on board and got behind the night. It is just amazing how generous people can be,” Randell said.
He said local businesses had donated more than 150 items to raffle and auction off on the night, including a $5000 spa, electrical goods, a weekend away and sporting memorabilia.
“You just can’t put monetary value on it. So many people have donated their time and help to Katrina and the kids.
“There are just so many people to thank who made the night such a fantastic success,” he said.
Randell said donations had been flooding in to the devastated family for months, with the Holconcruiz Trust established to give the children a brighter future.
He said the fund had already received a welcome boost with two cash donations of $10,000.
“Katrina has been pretty distressed since it happened, worried about what the kids will do without a dad.
“All the money from the trust will go towards the kids so they don’t miss out on anything in the future.
“We want them to be able to go on school excursions and go to university,” he said.
“You can’t replace what they’ve lost but this will go a little way towards helping the kids and assisting Katrina with things she may struggle to afford on her own.”
