By: DON COOK
THE Ruffy CFA Good Friday Appeal fundraiser has smashed its own record.
What began in 2007 as a quiet seafood lunch for Ruffy locals that raised $418 for the royal Children's Hospital has developed into an iconic Ruffy Tablelands event that draws crowds from near and far.
Most years have surpassed the previous year's total until three years of COVID interrupted things.
On Good Friday this year the Ruffy CFA took the event to another level by introducing a live auction of goods and services donated by local businesses.
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This followed a fabulous fish and chips lunch and addresses by Strathbogie Shire Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy and Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland.
There was spirited bidding from the crowd of over 100 people that contributed over $2500 to the Children's Hospital record total raised on the day of over $4700.
In recent years the Ruffy CFA has used this community event to also fundraise for targeted projects that support ongoing protection of the Tablelands communities.
This year funds were raised for a protective structure for the Ruffy Fire Station tanker refueling installation through silent auctions of hay, silage, and firewood donated by local farmers.
Accessible local events are essential for a community's sense of connection, well-being, and mental health, and Ruffy's annual Good Friday lunch ticks all of those boxes.
