The Get On Board family with Blair Tonkin from MKR.

I attended the Get On Board Luncheon at Burleigh Sports Club on Christine Avenue. This charity function was organised for beautiful Draga, who is fighting stomach cancer. It was a shame Draga couldn’t attend (due to further treatment) as the day was inspirational.

Draga sent a heartfelt message through a close family friend, which brought a few tears to many eyes, and it’s obvious from this how grateful Draga is for the support she’s receiving through Get On Board.

We all purchased raffle tickets as we walked in, greeted by Kate and a band of enthusiastic supporters. Our tables (of which there were plenty) were beautifully decorated with a centerpeice we could bid on in the yellow theme colours of the charity, and for Draga.

The function – Get On Board Luncheon for Draga.

We, the Fusion Outdoor Fitness Girls, were seated in a front table to get a good view of MC Blair Tonkin from MKR. You could tell he is a school teacher the way he spoke on the mike. And yes we were behaving. We also got to hear auctioneer Phil Black’s impressive warp-speed rules of the auction before getting into it and encouraging good results from the bidding crowd.

With lively chatter around the tables with wine flowing and beer drinking the mood was set. Our first course of either humungous chicken schnitzel or pork chop were served. Suffice to say we didn’t go hungry.

But of course that wasn’t the point. The point was we were there for Draga. So when each auction produced over the expectations of the organisers we knew Draga was going to be able to fund further treatment. There were many generous people, particularly the family of Kerri Newman, Alana’s friend who lost her battle with cancer and is the reason Get On Board was founded.

The centerpiece on our table (2) which Kay took home after the highest bid.

It was adorable to see Alana, her partner, Tom and her two young sons Hudson and Dechlan, also involved in bidding for the cause. It’s rather obvious that this young family love and believe in what they are doing.

Local businesses had been generous with fourteen raffle prizes including Gold Tickets to Nick Cave’s Live Concert and a night’s accommodation at Mantra Legends Hotel.

We had live music by singer/songwriter and cancer survivor Dee Handyside, who made an emotional speech about her cancer fight. Not only has she beaten cancer but she went through it at the same time as her sister and cousin, both of whom are still alive. Dee launched her first solo album ‘Genetic’. You can read more about Dee at: http://www.deehandyside.com/

There were thirteen faboulous auction items. Of course there was an MKR Cookbook an Blair donated his actual apron from the show (mainly because his wife thought it was a bit weird for him to be wearing it around the house). There were also tickets to The Madden Brothers (no I didn’t bid as the price went too high for my budget), ‘Bird on a Wire’ pack, a cruiser bike, hampers, a custom ‘Alayaearth’ wooden surfboard, Fitness First vouchers, Titan’s Tickerts and a dining experience with Blair from MKR. There wasn’t a single thing turned in and the results surpassed the expected.

Auctioneer Phil Black working his magic on the bidders.

All in all – a fun day, fabulous results and a fantastic cause.

For further events organised by Get On Board and information on Draga’s progress go to: http://www.getonboardhhh.com.au/

If you need an auctioneer go to: https://www.facebook.com/blackytheauctioneer

Draga’s friend speaking on her behalf.

A full room for a great cause.

Kate next to the wooden surfboard.

Singer/songwriter Dee Handyside tell her inspiring story.

Table 2 with Alana Spencer at the back.

Alana and Kate from Get On Board.

Alana and partner Tom.

Alana, Tom, Blair and Kate.

The last to leave Fusion Fitness girls get a pic with Kate, Blair and Alana.