Above: Two of Jess’ friends enjoy the festivities during the night.By Callan Date
JESS Atwell would have been proud.
More than 400 people came together on Saturday night in honour of the Narre Warren woman who lost her battle with cervical cancer in January last year.
The occasion was a gala auction dubbed A Hint of Pink, and it was truly a case of from little things big things grow.
The planning began about 10 months ago when Team Jess – a group of 70 friends and family members – was formed in the hope of raising a couple of thousand dollars for cancer research.
Almost a year and $50,000 later and the group are tickled pink with their efforts.
The event, according to Jess’ friends, would have been just how the 27-year-old would have wanted it to be – smiles all round, dancing and laughter with a hint of pink on everyone there.
Amy Wishart, Jess’ close friend and just one of the many who helped organise the event, said the atmosphere was incredible.
“It exceeded all our expectations. I couldn’t believe how many people were there,” Amy said.
“It seemed like everyone who knew Jess was there.”
Team Jess was, still is in fact, in awe of the generous community support received.
Cardinia Cultural Centre hosted the event free of charge and local businesses continued to donate items right up until a few hours before the auction.
“We can’t thank everyone enough – those who attended on the night and everyone who helped out in the lead-up,” Amy said.
“Jane Atwell and Heather Atwell (Jess’ mother and aunt) started the whole thing and were great.”
Team Jess will not rest now, though.
This Friday members will head to Akoonah Park in Berwick to take part in the Casey Relay for Life event.
And continue to remember their friend Jess.
