Celebrating a fundraising milestone of $1.2 million raised through the McKean McGregor Gala Ball. Pictured from left are Julie Gardner, participant in Bendigo Health’s Cancer Wellness Program; Todd Brown, CEO of McKean McGregor; Chris White, Director Cancer Services, Bendigo Health; Brock Pinner, McKean McGregor; Jenna Sing, Cancer Wellness Program Coordinator, Bendigo Health; and Eileen Hannagan, CEO of Bendigo Health.
The result takes the event's five-year fundraising total to an incredible $1,204,272.28,helping ensure local people facing cancer can access a range of wellness and support services close to home.
Delivered through Bendigo Health's Gobbé Wellness Centre, the Cancer Wellness Program provides holistic care that supports patients and their families throughout their cancer journey. Services include oncology massage, reflexology, yoga, mindfulness programs, support groups and wellbeing workshops, helping people manage the physical, emotional and mental impacts of cancer.
Director Cancer Services at Bendigo Health, Chris White, said community support had been instrumental in building and sustaining the program, which continues to grow five years and more than $1.2 million after the first Gala Ball.
Last year alone, more than 500 patients accessed the Gobbé Wellness Centre, attending more than 3,000 appointments across a range of wellbeing services.
"Most importantly, this funding has impacted thousands of lives. On behalf of our staff, patients and their families, we really do appreciate everything the community has done to support this program," Chris said.
McKean McGregor's Brock Pinner said the Gala Ball was established to bring people together after COVID and had evolved into one of the region's most significant community fundraising events.
"To see more than $1.2 million raised over five years for Bendigo Health's Cancer Wellness Program is an incredible achievement and a testament to the generosity of our sponsors, supporters and the broader Bendigo community," said Brock.
"We're proud to partner with Bendigo Health and the Bendigo Health Foundation to help ensure local people can access these important wellbeing services close to home, and we're grateful to everyone who continues to support the event year after year."
More than 1,000 people attended this year's Gala Ball, which has become one of Bendigo's premier fundraising events and a powerful example of community supporting community, helping ensure local people can access the care, support and wellbeing services they need close to home.