Charity Ball to Expose Big Hearts

UMFC's Luke Rumbold, Foster Carer Andrew Pollard and Out of Home Care Case Manager, Meg O'Connor. Photo: TruPics

A local service agency for vulnerable children and their families is hoping big hearted locals will help ensure a sell-out for its Charity Ball at the SS&A on March 16.

Upper Murray Family Care will allocate all funds raised towards all the programs they operate under the banner of “Strengthening families to build vibrant communities.”

Chief Executive Officer Luke Rumbold says he has no doubt locals will get behind the fundraising event, which raised more than $60,000 in ticket sales and auction items at its last Charity Ball two years ago. The money went towards building a new head-office in Wodonga.

The new head office for UMFC, which helps consolidate many services under one roof.

“In our line of business, there is no Government funding for capital works or infrastructure,” Luke said.

“Whether its motor vehicles, I.T upgrades, an office building – you need resources to do that, so as a local agency, having that local support is absolutely critical.”

Upper Murray Family Care has already been humbled by early support from both large and small businesses for the event.

“We went out a couple of weeks ago to personally hand out some invitations and the first place we went to was Andrew’s Office Furniture, and they were just so warm and positive and agreed to buy a table and get something for the auction,” he said.

CEO, Luke Rumbold.

“Then you have someone like the SS&A that have been just stunning – hosting the ball and heavily subsidising the costs of the catering and entertainment, as well as giving us another grant over three years to go towards particular programs and activities.

“Everywhere we go, the response is great. We know we work hard, but I didn’t realise how many other people thought that what we did was alright too.

“Our foster families, for example, are working hard and we know that, but to go out in the community and have that validated is an amazing thing.”

The Charity Ball on Friday 16 March at the SS&A will feature a three course meal, entertainment by the Chantoozies and Darren Carr.

For more information on the ball visit:   http://umfc.com.au/umfc-gala-ball-2018/