Painting the town pink!

It was a sea of pink at the Phillip Island Football and Netball Club on Saturday, as the club’s army of players and supporters came together to raise funds for the cancer charity Shades of Pink.

The netballers turned out in pink uniforms, and the footballers wore custom-made pink guernseys, especially for the occasion. There were pink socks, pink balls and pink club T-shirts for supporters.

A beautifully presented “Pink” luncheon was held in the clubrooms, thoroughly enjoyed by the many guests in attendance, along with fun fundraising activities including raffles, lucky dips and guessing competitions.

Co-ordinator of the day was Sarah Pedersen and her mother Janet Tongue, who were assisted by a large team of helpers throughout the afternoon.

Sarah was one of four young women who banded together in 2017 to establish the Shades of Pink Foundation, which supports Eastern Health’s Breast and Cancer Centre at the Maroondah Hospital.

Their ongoing efforts have raised close to half a million dollars for breast cancer treatment and resources, with Saturday’s effort adding $4500 to the tally.

Speaking at the luncheon, Sarah emphasised to all present the importance of breast cancer awareness, and outlined how the money raised has been spent to date, including on state-of-the-art diagnostic resources.

She thanked major sponsors of the day, including the Cowes Bendigo Bank, San Remo Hotel, North Pier, Ray White Phillip Island, Terrafirma Excavations, Phillip Island Ten Pin Bowling, Endeavour Fuels and Todd Devine Homes.

Other local businesses who donated goods to help make the day happen were Bakers Delight Cowes, Subway, Youki’s, Flowers of Philip Island, Chemmart, Terry White Pharmacy, Logo’s Unlimited,

Energetic Apparel, Hotpromos, Jo Jo’s Gluten Free Goods, Rusty Water & Beach HQ, Wilsons Promontory Cruises and S&J Bathroom Renovations.

Guests were entertained by singer songwriter Rose Van Rooy, who managed to fit in her sets after playing for her netball team.