By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
THE COMMUNITY response for Lara’s Marissa Rhodes has overwhelmed organisers of her fundraising activities.
The 20-year-old has been given months to live after being diagnosed with an incurable and rare form of cancer in September.
Donations have poured in, with organisers Sharlene Bell and Romayne Day hard-pressed to keep up.
In fact, they had far too many donated items to handle at an auction and trivia night at the Shell Club last Saturday, which raised more than $15,000.
Marissa’s simple yet heartfelt bucket list stirred so many to help out, Sharlene believed.
“She’s ticked off the first item, to go to a live concert, and she hopes to go to the Queensland theme parks, visit Port Arthur and ride Puffing Billy,” Sharlene said.
The excess of donations will go under the hammer at a second auction at Geelong’s Wintergarden from 4.30pm to 6.30pm Sunday.
“It’s appropriate because a lot of the items that have come in are artworks donated by established and up-and-coming artists around the region.”
Works by Joel Wolter, Paul Waycott, Janet Goldman and Mark Cairns as well as accommodation vouchers, signed Geelong Supercats memorabilia, tickets, and lots more items will be up for grabs.
Wintergarden afternoon teas and light meals will also be available.
Sharlene asked anyone wanting to help could phone her on 0450 783 231 or Romayne on 0417 453 908.
