Raising money for a really good cause

May 30, 2024

Oberon's generosity was on display on Saturday, May 25, when about 150 people gathered to raise money at a trivia charity night at Oberon Showground. The event was organised by the volunteers of Oberon Inner Wheel (who are always looking for new members to spread the load). Inner Wheel is an organisation for women which complements the community service work of Rotary.

Money raised on the night went to the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics. Former Oberon resident Sarah Johnston was there with her son Ted  who suffers from Angelman Syndrome, described as "a genetic disorder causing delayed development, problems with speech and balance, intellectual disability, and, sometimes, seizures". The genetic cause is known, but any form of cure is still being sought.

Angelman Syndrome doesn't get the sort of attention that other medical conditions attract with only just over 2,000 published papers against the 430,000 on COVID or the million on diabetes, but this is a consequence of being a quite rare condition, with only about 500 cases in Australia. There are clinical trials running in Australia to find a cure, but this research needs money so fund raisers like this night are essential.

Entertainment on the night was provided by Clancy Pye, who happens to be Susan's sister and therefore Ted's aunt.

Clancy Pye was in fine voice on the night.

It was a trivia competition, so there were winners and losers. The losers didn't care, because they were there for a good time.

Proud winners of the Wooden Spoon. Lowest score but the most fun.

There was food, of course, and the organisers turned on a great buffet, including dessert.

Food!!!

And what's a fun night out without a bit of dressing up?

There was a raffle with prizes generously donated by local businesses.

The prizes.

Clancy Pye had some assistance drawing the raffle tickets.

And here's a walk around the room watching people enjoying themselves.

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