MOREE again opened its heart – and collective wallets – when more than $75,000 was raised at the Moree Public School P&C Association Supporting the Now, Paving the Future Long Lunch on Saturday.

A big crowd attended the Moree racecourse fundraiser, where patrons socialised, wined and dined, and were entertained by Kyla-Belle Roberts, Rachel Cubis, Kicked-In Bickie Tin and bush poet Murray Hartin.

Guest speakers Rachel Bell, Mick Picone, Felicity Taylor and Mitchell Dahlstrom – introduced by Emily Ryan – spoke fondly about their schooldays at Moree Public School, while master of ceremonies, former MPS teacher Marc Burgess, kept the afternoon rolling along perfectly.

And when ace auctioneers Henry Pitman and Luke Whan encouraged the crowd to bid for items donated by local businesses, the response was overwhelming.

More than $32,000 was raised from the auction of 19 items, and a further $30,000 in direct sponsorship and donations from Moree and district businesses ramped up the cause considerably.

Add to that, another $15,000 in raffle ticket and 100-club sales, as well as merchandise revenue, and the total figure crept past the $75,000 peg with ease.

P&C Association president Casey O’Hara said a final figure will be announced later this week.

“We are absolutely overwhelmed by the response; it’s incredible,” Mrs O’Hara said.

“We are amazed at the generosity from both the Moree business community and everyone who attended.

“The food was delicious, our guest speakers and entertainers wowed the crowd and the bar kept everyone hydrated.

“For our first MPS P&C long lunch, it has far exceeded the goals we set, and we are able to help our school immensely with the proceeds we’ve raised,” she said.

School principal Sharyn Cox acknowledge the work behind the scenes that made Saturday’s long lunch a success.

“On behalf of the entire school community, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the P&C long lunch sub-committee and the larger P&C committee,” Mrs Cox said.

“The combined efforts of the school P&C, everyone here, our sponsors and generous donations, as well as the speakers and entertainers, will go towards raising funds to bridge the equity gap, and ensure none of our students are disadvantaged by the challenges rural schools face.

“These contributions will directly support programs and resources that allow every student to engage fully and thrive at school.

“The funds raised will foster a supportive and enriched environment for all, and reflect our collective commitment to give each student the opportunities they need to success and flourish, regardless of their circumstances,” she said.

Mrs O’Hara praised the P&C long lunch sub-committee – Kirsty Tomlinson, Emily Ryan, Keira Legg, Sally Woods, Sophia Mulligan, Amber Brown, Megan Brazel, Karen Bowhay, Rebecca Baker, Daniel Assef, Lindy Hosegood, Emma Humphries, Kristy Reid, Alison Tidmarsh and Crystal Warrener – for slogging out several months of hard work and planning.

“In six short months, this committee has worked together tirelessly to make this day happen,” Mrs O’Hara said.

“The dedication and commitment of this incredible group ensured the long lunch was successful and is indeed supporting the now, and paving the future, for all students of Moree Public school,” she said.

Unclaimed raffle prizes or auction items can be collected from Furniture Zone on Balo Street from 1pm today, Monday, March 3.

Words and Images: Bill Poulos