Bush Bash raises $55,000 for Capital Appeal Fund

Thank you to all our supporters!

On Saturday 4 September, 250 parents and supporters of the school came together in the Brother Emilian Hall for the fine food and fun and games of the St Joseph’s College Foundation Bush Bash.

Chairman of the SJC Foundation, Mr Mike Davis said the SJC Foundation holds only one major fundraising event each year. “The Foundation relies heavily on the College community to support this annual initiative,” he said. “I would like to personally thank everyone who attended the function this year.”

This year the organisers of the Bush Bash, Richard Quinn, Karina Seyffer and Joanne Wilson, promised to put the ‘fun’ back into fundraising, and, judging by the great time had by all the guests, that’s exactly what they delivered. The hall was transformed into a country barn complete with hay and checked tablecloths and the evening commenced with a wonderful music performance by SJC Year 12 students Matthew Bartlett and David Sharp.

Parent Marg Ewin (Charles Y12) did some very impressive whip cracking to muster up the guests before the MC of the evening, and Murray ‘Muz’ Hartin entertained the audience with his funny and heart rending poems. Julie and Gary Talbot from Bootscooting International were joined on the dance floor by guests keen to sharpen their dance skills. The Fukers wowed the crowd with an acoustic ukulele performance then rocked the hall with some impressive covers. The Bucking Bull attracted loads of attention  - especially when SJC Headmaster Mr Ross Tarlinton stepped up for a turn. Auctioneer Mr Paul Dooley (82) ran a lively auction and had plenty of people digging deep for the cause.

Mr Davis said there was a fantastic spirit in the room on the night and highlighted the important role the Bush Bash played in the College’s 2010 fundraising, particularly in this time of major development works and the Capital Appeal. “It is our responsibility to ensure St Josephs’ College continues to be a leader in boy’s education and care. The new Technology and Arts Precinct will be a tangible legacy that will serve the College community for years to come,” he said.

Next year the SJC Foundation hopes to attract an even greater involvement from the College community in the annual dinner dance to further create a culture of philanthropy and continuing pride in SJC’s heritage.

The organisers would like to thank everybody who attended the Bush Bash and made it such a great success. Special thanks to:

Audi Alto Artarmon, Alliance Catering, Beelgara Estate Wines (the Toohey family), Bayview Tavern (Rod Pittorino), Paul Dooley, Dominique Andrews, the Bush Bash styling fairies (Sue Cullen, Lisa Gould, Christine Volk, Dayle Peacocke and Sue Glenn), the SJC Gap students, Andy Gleeson (SJC audio visual team), Alan Dawson and the SJC Music Students, Stewart Smith (SJC Property Team), Kerrie Walters and Johanna Parsons (SJC Development Office) and the parents and families who donated the wonderful array of auction and silent auction prizes.