Home Australian Cancer Research Individual Fundraising stories

There are many individuals around Australia who have helped to raise funds for cancer research. Together they have proved that you can turn virtually anything you enjoy doing into a fundraiser. Here are some of their stories…

Fundraising Success Stories

The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) extends its sincere thanks to all of the following people, for their mighty fundraising efforts! Click here for our tips on planning your own ACRF fundraiser!


Personal journey motivates Penny...

A personal cancer battle provided added impetus for one passionate Sydney woman to raise funds for cancer research – Penny Bauer, who was diagnosed with breast cancer this year, has raised $800 for cancer research since October 2005 by hosting jewellery parties.
Penny has become even more determined to help ACRF in its work since her diagnosis

 


Sydney to Melbourne ride no sweat...  

Just imagining cycling from Sydney to Melbourne to raise money for cancer research would be enough to make most people feel tired, but for Brad Michaelides it seemed a modest effort compared with the journey cancer victims take.
Mr Michaelides, was sponsored by friends and family on his 1000km 10-day ride and said the possibility to effect positive change inspired him.


ACRF's Jane Daly receives cheque from BrittanyACRF fundraising a family affair...

Supporting cancer research is all in the family for Year 7 Henry Kendall High School student Brittany Tait, of Gosford, who raised $1800 through chocolate sales and donations, while participating in a school leadership program this year.
Brittany, who wants to help find a cancer cure, was following in the footsteps of her brother and sister, who have also raised money for ACRF. (see Amanda's story below.


Megafauna rocks for research...

Rock music set the tune for the fight against cancer recently when the Megafauna charity rock festival in Canberra raised $3500 for cancer research.  
Hell City Glamours, Super Best Friends and Penguin were some of the bands who contributed to eight hours of non-stop music at ANU Bar. 
Organiser Ryan Malcolm, who lost his mother to cancer in 2005, wanted to raise awareness of the disease among young Canberrans. Visit Megafauna Festival to find out more about the 2008 festival. 



Eleanor and RenukaOur youngest ever fundraisers...

Two young Mosman ladies brought some zest to their neighbourhood recently when they sold lemonade to raise funds for cancer research. Eight-year-olds Eleanor Rogers and Renuka Blewitt invited friends and neighbours to support them in their efforts by purchasing a refreshing drink from a lemonade and milkshake stand set up near their homes. Eleanor and Renuka both have family touched by cancer - Eleanor lost her grandmother, Uncle Brian and Aunt Cynthia and Renuka's great grandmother died of breast cancer. The girls' fabulous effort is proof that young or old we can all be part of the fight against cancer. The ACRF is very grateful to the girls and congratulates them on their efforts.


Pole dancing for cancer research... 

Kennetta Hutchens' Pole Divas studios in Victoria, Jamilla Deville's studio in Sydney and Kerrin Bradfield's Flirtish studio on the Gold Coast, all joined forces with pole dancers from other countries to mount the world's first record attempt for the greatest number of simultaneous pole dancers in September. Not only was the attempt successful but it also raised $6000 for cancer research. Click here to read more.


Georgie shaves her head for cancer research!...

Georgie Nathan chopped her long hair in front of friends and work colleagues who contributed to her quest to raise money for cancer research after discovering that her close friend, Danielle, had been diagnosed with cancer while pregnant with her first child.  Georgie emailed everyone she knew to ask for donations and our online donation page was inundated.  In just a few weeks, Georgie raised thousands of dollars in honour of her friend.  Go here to read more and see Georgie 'before and after' her brave efforts.


Absolutely fabulous!...

Life long friends Lynn Crow and Sue Marks started their online giftware and fashion business ‘Something Fabulous’ in 2004 and have nominated the ACRF as one of their official charities. Simply register online at www.somethingfabulous.com.au and choose The Australian Cancer Research Foundation in the ‘Where did you hear about us?’ box when making your purchase. 20 per cent of every dollar you spend then goes to the ACRF!


Zane HolmesBecoming real life savers!...

Nyree Epplett-Higgins drew on the support of the local surf club when she coordinated the Life Savers for Cancer Research Charity Ball in Ballina. Special guests included Aussie ironman champ Zane Holmes and Westmead Institute for Cancer Research’s Therese Becker. Ball goers donned a ‘splash of red or gold’ (the colours of surf life saving) and were entertained by mime artists and an 8-piece big band. The ball raised almost $7000, with proceeds split between the ACRF and Ballina Surf Life Saving Club.


 

Taking steps to cure cancer...

Raising funds for cancer research was a ‘walk in the park’ for this dedicated group of Sydney women. The group, some members of which had been affected by cancer, raised $1000 for the ACRF by braving the winter weather to complete laps of their local park. The group were ‘sponsored’ by friends, family and work colleagues. Bravo to all involved!


  

Gabrielle BatesArtists raise funds for ACRF...

Gabrielle Bates coordinated the ‘About Face Exhibition’ at Gallery 69 (Melbourne) in January 2005. The exhibition invited artists to explore what it means to be alive. 40 Australian artists, all of whom have survived or been touched by cancer, donated self-portraits for the art fundraiser which raised $6305 for the ACRF. Among the highlights were self portraits by distinguished artists including Lidy Lee, Su Baker, Jim Pavlidis and Victor Rubin.


 

Amanda TaitAmanda follows in big bro's footsteps...

Following in the footsteps of her big brother Nathan, Year 7 student Amanda Tait undertook a 'Leadership Program' at Henry Kendall High School, Gosford, NSW, which involved completing specific tasks - including organising a charity fundraiser - to earn her certificate. Amanda raised $1500, which she donated to the ACRF and Canteen. Nathan raised $1300 for the ACRF in 2003.


Simone honours her grandfather...

Simone Caruana’s grandfather lost his battle with cancer in 2003. On the anniversary of his passing, Simone paid tribute by organising a ‘dinner dance’ in Adelaide, which raised $12,000 for the ACRF. The 300+ guests were entertained by MC and comedian Sebastian Scott, and danced the night away to the sounds of a harpist, bands and local DJ! An auction and raffle gave everyone the chance to play a part in the search for a cure for cancer.


Ben runs for fun and funds...

Ben Le Masurier loves a challenge! In September 2004, he participated in his first marathon, the gruelling 42km Sydney Marathon! Ben donated all sponsorship he’d received to run in the event to the ACRF. He dedicated the race to his close friend, who died from cancer the week before the marathon. “It made it so much more rewarding,” said Ben, who now wants to participate in a triathlon for the ACRF.


Bluey and Johnno turn 60!

Ray Jenvey and Graham Johnson, affectionately known by their friends as 'Bluey' and 'Johnno', celebrated their 60th birthdays, and very generously directed donations to the ACRF in lieu of gifts. Over 200 guests attended the boys’ birthday bash - including the ACRF's Jo Williams - which raised a whopping $5,750 for cancer research. “It was an absolute pleasure to meet two such charismatic, fun-loving people,” said Williams. “It was a fantastic night. Ray and Graham obviously mean a great deal to a lot of people.”


Nathan proves he’s a born leader…

As part of a school leadership program, Year 7 student Nathan Tait (from Henry Kendall High School in Gosford, NSW) was given the task of organising a charity fundraiser. Nathan decided to run a raffle, and to donate all proceeds ($1300!) to the ACRF. Nathan and the Foundation would like to thank all those who donated prizes.


Cait shaves her head for a good cause ...

Cait Millar’s fundraising total has grown faster than her hair! Nine-year-old Cait, from South Australia, shaved off all her hair to raise money for the ACRF. With help from her family, school, community and local radio station SAFM, the event was a major success and Cait's final tally stood at $2,672.35. Congratulations Cait!


The Order of the Eastern Star ...

The OES continues to raise a substantial amount of funds for the ACRF, recently presenting a cheque for $1,800 to the Foundation. The money was raised by collections taken at the monthly Chapter meetings, a fundraising luncheon, a mock ball and dinner, raffles and lucky door prizes.


Ian pays tribute to his dad ...

Ian Hill held a fundraiser in the name of his father, the late Mr John S. Hill. Staged at Blacktown Olympic Park, the evening commenced with a tribute baseball game as the curtain raiser and was followed by a dinner, auctions and raffles.

You can help us

If you are thinking about running your own ACRF fundraiser, please contact us on 1300 884 988 or email info@acrf.com.au.

Every dollar of every donation received goes to cancer research

To make a credit card donation over the phone, call 1300 884 988 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call.