SHARE and share alike.
This seems to be the mantra in our local area, where it is not uncommon to see one community group donating funds to another group in need.
After the huge success of last month's Motorfest, the Tea Gardens-Hawks Nest Motor Club (TGHNMC) were more than happy to donate their profits to local organisations which they felt needed financial assistance.
This year, recipients were the Hawks Nest-Tea Gardens Surf Lifesaving Club and the Clinic Bus, who were presented their cheques at a ceremony held last month at the local Surf Club.
Secretary of the TGHN MC, Juergen Seil, said the presentation was a very proud moment for the club.
"Our club started five and a half years ago with an ad in the paper, four members and five cars.
"Our president, John Sharpe, steered the club with a steady hand and we thank him for his efforts as we now have 40 members, 80 cars and a good standing within the community," Mr Seil said.
Mr Sharpe responded by saying that Motorfest was a team effort and all members willingly volunteered to make the event such a success.
"Without the Club Committee, Motorfest could not happen. Thank you to everyone involved," he said.
The 2007 Motorfest was the best yet – 2000 people, 300 vehicles on display and $8,300 raised for local organisations.
Mr Sharpe believes the local Surf Club do a great job, performing an important service to the community.
"People always feel comfortable swimming at our beaches," he said.
After accepting a $5,000 cheque on behalf of the Hawks Nest-Tea Gardens Surf Lifesaving Club, representative Debbie Booth said she was lost for words.
"I'm really in awe! It is so fantastic to receive this donation from another local club in the community.
"Everyone helps everyone else around here which is great," Ms Booth said.
Mr Sharpe then presented the Clinic Bus with a $3,000 cheque.
"Motor Club is a proud sponsor of the Clinic Bus, which has plans to expand in the future so we hope that this money can help them to do that," Mr Sharpe said.
Secretary of the Clinic Bus Committee, Laurie Giles, accepted the donation and explained that at the moment, the Clinic Bus transports elderly residents to Raymond Terrace and Newcastle once a week for medical appointments, but said the committee is also looking to travel to Maitland in the near future.
Adrian and Emerson from the Tea Gardens Public School Band were on hand to accept their donation from the Motor Club, and Mr Sharpe acknowledged their participation in the Motorfest before presenting them with a $300 cheque to be used towards band equipment.
"You are a credit to your school, your teachers and yourselves," he said.
Motorfest has grown immensely over the past five years, with the very first Motorfest raising just $1,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and $200 for Red Cross.
This money was made from gold coin donations, vehicle entry, raffle and chocolate wheel tickets, cold drinks and local sponsorship.
"To raise $8300 five years later is amazing, and it is also the first year that the Lions Club and the Red Cross were able to keep their profits from the barbeque and cake/coffee stall to use for their own causes," Mr Seil said.
Email a friend