Fundraising fun on the racing turf

From left; Managing Director of Evergreen Turf Rob Davey, media personality Richie Callander, Casey Cardinia Foundation vice-chairman Adam Sadiqzai, CEO of Evergreen Turf Paul Mahoney, Managing Director of Dad and Dave’s Turf Graeme Colless and Tim Bayard – Major Projects for Evergreen Turf at Thursday night’s function. 175351 Picture: DAVID NAGEL

By David Nagel

The serious business of raising money for the Casey Cardinia Foundation was mixed with a night full of fun and frivolity at Evergreen Turf’s Charity Night held at the Pakenham Racing Club on Thursday.
An eight-race card kept punters on their toes, while ventriloquist Darren Carr and media personality Richie Callander kept the laughs coming with their own very special brand of humour.
Major sponsor’s Evergreen Turf, Southern Cross Turf and Dad and Dave’s Turf were backed up by a long-list of support sponsors to ensure the evening was a success.
PRC business development manager Wade Calderwood also played a key role in organising the event and had a hand in the night’s activities.
Sponsors provided items for auctions, silent auctions and raffles, with a clear profit of $18,000 being donated to the foundation.
Now in its 14th year, the Casey Cardinia Foundation has provided over $500,000 in grants to local community groups, directly benefiting disabled, elderly, disadvantaged, crisis and youth groups from within the Casey and Cardinia region.
Foundation vice-chairman Adam Sadiqzai said the foundation was making inroads, but needed ongoing support to match the rapid growth corridor that it was designed to assist.
“Growth in this region has been nothing but extraordinary, but with any growth comes pain and challenges,” Mr Sadiqzai said.
“It is inherent on the region’s business leaders to ensure those growth pains are limited, are reduced, to ensure there is support, infrastructure and care, especially for the most vulnerable.
“The generosity of businesses, such as those in attendance tonight, can make a huge difference to the everyday lives of many.”