Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Meals on Wheels, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and the Children’s Hospital Newcastle each received $7000 towards their work.

Representatives from each of the beneficiaries attended the ceremony to accept the donations.

The beneficiaries were chosen because of their contribution to the Grange residents.

“Both Westpac and Meals on Wheels have provided unpassable assistance to members of the grange,” Mr Samways said.

The money was raised through a fashion parade, lunches and dinners, raffles, auctions, and the art show hanging fees, entry fees and commissions.

The Grange Art Committee spent 18 months planning the show.

“It seems very strange to stand up here, knowing it is the culmination of 18 months work by the community,” Mr Samways said.

Meals on Wheels president Barry Abnett said the money would go towards a gas stove for the volunteers to use.

Monies donated to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service will assist the completion of a helipad in Tea Gardens while the donation to the children’s hospital will buy equipment.

“Twenty-one thousand dollars is amazing; it is a testament to the work you are putting into the show,” Westpac Rescue Helicopter fundraising officer Janine Chandler said.

A donation of the painting, Bubbles, purchased by the art show committee, was also made to the children’s hospital.

It was the first time the committee had purchased and donated a painting to the hospital.

The painting will hang in one of the children’s wards.

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