Girls Night In cancer fundraiser

Every day, approximately 70 women are diagnosed with some form of cancer.

On Saturday, September 14, hundreds of Coasties will come together at Ettalong Diggers for the Cancer Council Carnivale Girls Night In annual fundraiser, directly supporting local families undergoing treatment for women’s cancers on the Central Coast.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch is encouraging women to book a ticket for the event as a show of support for other women on the Coast.

“We all know women in our community whose lives have been majorly impacted by cancer,” she said.

“The impact of cancer on the lives of women, their families, friendship circles and the wider community cannot be under-estimated.

“Cancer takes an immeasurable emotional toll, on top of the physical and financial strain.

“Heading along to fundraisers such as the Cancer Council Carnivale Girls Night In is a thoughtful way to step out in support of women with cancer.”

Event organiser Margaret Canning said the idea for the Girls Night In fundraiser originated several years ago when a Peninsula mum was diagnosed with cancer.

“Stacey Saul and I were on the social committee at our local primary school when two local mums were going through cancer treatment,” she said.

“We were desperate to support them in any way possible.

“Thirteen years later, what started off as a series of small at-home women-only fundraisers has grown into something much larger that now packs out Ettalong Diggers.

“We’ve had such great support from Ettalong Diggers for seven years now, and we are blown away every year by the support we receive from businesses big and small as well as individuals.

“This year’s theme is Rio Carnivale and the ladies really embrace the fancy dress aspect of our event fully.”

The women-only event is about women supporting women and promoting awareness, education and advocacy for women’s health screenings and understanding that early detection saves lives.

“We all need to advocate and support women’s healthcare to get a step closer to a cancer-free future,” Canning said.

The women work closely with Central Coast Cancer Council at Erina to deliver the event and funds raised on the Central Coast stay in the region.

More than $200,000 has been raised since the event began.

Ettalong Diggers covers catering costs, so tickets sold deliver 100 per cent profit for the event.

Highlights of the September 14 event will include performances from Catherine Alcorn, currently starring in Menopause the Musical.

DJ Emma (JC Entertainment) will keep the dance floor pumping and guest speaker Tiffany Power from Slade Health (the largest provider to Central Coast public and private hospitals) will discuss how compounding chemotherapy drugs are improving outcomes during treatment for cancer patients.

There will also be raffles, a Lucky Dip Wine Wall and more.

Tickets are $99 which includes a three-course meal and entertainment.

Book at www.trybooking.com/CORNU