THE key fundraising element of Hawkesbury Torchbearers’ grand ball on Saturday night ended up putting the possible future mayor in a very favourable light.
A .2-carat diamond necklace, donated for the fundraising night, was won by Ben Richards, husband of the head of the Liberal ticket for the upcoming Council elections, Sarah Richards.
But instead of taking the necklace home, Ms Richards gave it back to Torchbearers for auction on the night. After generous bidding by several in the room it was bought by Ms Richards’ friend Emma for $1150, who said Ms Richards could take turns wearing it with her.
A total of $8500 was raised on the night, which included as guests Macquarie MP Susan Templeman, Hawkesbury councillors Jill Reardon and Tiffany Tree, former Lindsay MP Fiona Scott, and former Hawkesbury mayor and Londonderry MP Bart Bassett.
Chaplain Peter Friend gave a moving speech about the importance of Legacy for him when he was serving overseas.
“If you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, you can die in war,” he said. “It was comforting for me to know Legacy was there [for my family] if I died.”
Torchbearers president Suzi Samuel thanked the guests and called Squadron Leader John Kane her “own personal Mary Poppins” for being the calm and capable RAAF contact who surmounted all difficulties for her in the organisation of the event, which included the booked band getting the flu the day before the ball. A wonderful duo was quickly found to replace them.
