Neighbourly reach

THE Cardinia Foundation has expanded its philanthropic reach into the neighbouring City of Casey.
Foundation chairman Brian Paynter made the announcement earlier this month at the annual fundraising dinner, in the presence of Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon and her Cardinia counterpart Brett Owen, and the respective CEO’s Mike Tyler and Garry McQuillan.
Mr Tyler and the Casey mayor of the day will join the renamed Casey Cardinia Foundation board and the city will contribute $100,000 to its coffers.
“This partnership will open up enormous potential for the foundation to raise much needed funds for our key service providers across both municipalities and build a legacy for the generations that follow,” Mr Paynter said.
“This is one of my proudest moments as chairman.”
Mr Paynter said the foundation had raised $1 million over the 11 years of its existence, most of which had been or will be channelled into worthwhile community projects and initiatives.
Cr Stapledon said the renaming of the foundation builds on the great partnership in the region.
“Our two municipalities face many of the same challenges and it’s important to put supports in place that will assist local residents to respond to these challenges,” she said.
“It’s really exciting that the Casey Cardinia Foundation can become a conduit for individuals and business to invest in their community in a powerful and socially beneficial way.”
The major beneficiaries at the annual dinner, which added about $17,000 to the coffers, were the 4Cs Crisis Relief Centre and Foodbank and Windermere Child and Family Services.
4Cs director Jeni Mathison accepted a grant for $16,800, which will be used to purchase a food van to transport essential food to outlying areas in the shire.
Windermere chief executive Dr Lynette Buoy accepted a cheque for $5000, which will help fund its Kids on Track program for disengaged youth.
Mr Paynter said the Foundation Dinner provided a unique opportunity for welfare organisations to come together with key corporate and business philanthropists for a night of fun and goodwill.
He said the 320-strong crowd that packed in to the Cardinia Cultural Centre last Friday made this year’s fundraising dinner one of the best.
“We had record numbers and our MC, rock ‘n’ roll legend Frankie J Holden, his sidekick Wilbur Wilde and their band Ol ’55 ensured the cultural centre was abuzz like never before,” he said.
“I would like to thank everyone involved and everyone who attended for their wonderful support.”