Taking part in a Variety Bash had always been a dream of Ruth Einfeld, and last year that dream came true with ‘Frankie’, a 1966 Ford Falcon.
It wasn’t Frankie’s first Bash…Frankie had already been in 30 Bashes and is now heading towards number 32.
The Variety Club Bash was the brainchild of Australian adventurer Dick Smith and has raised over $270 million since its inception in 1985.
Variety makes a difference to children, families and schools in rural and remote communities by providing grants, resources, equipment, experiences and scholarships for sports, arts and education.
Visiting kids
Einfeld says when the Bash arrives at little outback schools it is pure joy for the kids. ‘It is not just the kids that get excited it’s the whole community!’
Einfeld says it’s not only the Bash experience. ‘It’s so much more – the camaraderie, the fun, the friendships. The Bash slogan is “Ya Gotta Do It” and that is 100 per cent, and I hate using that expression but it is true.
‘I tell people it is better than RUOK Day as many times during the day you will hear over the two-way “Are you OK Car 1166 ?” anytime you are pulled over.’
‘Frankie has changed my life.’
Frankie’s team
Accompanying Ruth will be two women who she made friends with during last year’s Bash – Julie Milne and Michelle Steinhardt. ‘You really need at least one person to navigate and two is even better for swapping drivers on long stretches.’
Participants have to raise a minimum of $8,500 for the charity to be eligible to enter. ‘That in itself has been a huge learning curve and very rewarding,’ says Einfeld. ‘Meeting all sorts of people and hearing their stories.’
‘This year, to raise funds, I am putting on a fun event – Frankie’s Single & Mingle – a night aimed at getting people out and meeting other people with shared interests, whether it be butterfly watching or mud wrestling.’
Everyone is invited to support this wonderful cause and make a difference to schools, children and families in rural and isolated areas. Frankie and the team are raising funds to
provide individual and community grants, experiences and programs, with scholarships for sports, arts and education.
Come one, come all
A great night at the Lennox Hotel – come on your own, with a friend or bring a group – everyone is welcome.
If you can bring someone of the opposite sex to help keep the numbers balanced, that would be fantastic. It could be your brother, sister, neighbour, hairdresser, gardener or even your ex!
This isn’t a dating night…but it could be, but, it’s mainly about finding someone with the same interests as yourself.
‘We will find out who’s into classic cars, gardening, cooking, caravaning, music, dancing, travel, fishing, hiking, surfing, butterfly watching, motorbikes, ice- skating, reading, tinkering macramé – and who’s not.’
‘Ya gotta do it – it’s true! Everyone should do at least one Bash!’
Ticket bargains
Tickets are $60 each, but bring a friend of the opposite sex for only $40, or buy together and save $20. Ticket includes a drink on arrival, canapes, a goodie bag, and lucky door prizes, but most of all, you’ll be helping Variety continue its incredible work supporting children and families while enjoying a relaxed, fun evening with great people.
The event is on Thursday, August 6, from 6.30pm in the Seven Mile room at the Lennox Hotel.
For tickets or. more information, visit: www.ticketebo.com.au/frankies and www.varietybashqld.com.au/frankie.
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