Popular event back for 23rd year

Ian McDowell (front) with Kellie Kanara-Batt (centre) and Aisha Okeremi with some of the items up for grabs. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

For more than two decades, the Professionals McDowell Real Estate Child Cancer Charity Breakfast and Art Auction has been giving young child cancer patients and their families thousands of reasons to smile.

Now the popular charity event is back for its 23rd year, and the event organsiers hope fundraising efforts will top the $29,000 raised at last year's breakfast.

One of the organisers, Aisha Okeremi, said the event would be held on March 11 with plenty of tickets still available.

Miss Okeremi said about 12 children were expected to paint pieces to be auctioned off at the breakfast, and they were still looking for big ticket items to be donated for the auction.

"A lot [of the artworks] go for some really good money.

Miss Okeremi said the atmosphere at the event was amazing, especially given many of the kids headed along to see their artworks auctioned off.

"You can see their faces. Last year one went for over $1000 and that kid was just stoked."
Items are accepted until a few days before.

Miss Okeremi said about 400 people normally attended.

Tickets are available from Professionals McDowell Real Estate and are $30 and tables seat 10 people so $300 for a table.