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FEB03 - The Fundraiser
The WEG is well and truly over now and for me it was like a brilliant burst of colour full of emotion and work and laughter and experiences and sweat and a sense of having forged a step towards a higher goal.
On returning home it was like an autumn where the memories and the telling of the story were not quite so vivid but very pleasant. I analysed and became aware of all the beautiful hues and shades of colour in the story which belonged to other people.
For me it was a great chapter which will be treasured for life. Now however it’s a bit like winter where there is no more euphoria and the hard and realistic task of tough yakka, scrutiny and forging on through the inevitable depression is the only path towards the next summit of achievement. Nevertheless just before I submerge into being just another Aussie rider resisting and struggling on through the enormous adversities we as a nation have to deal with in our efforts to challenge for medals and rightful acknowledgement at the next Athens Olympics, and then Beijing after that, I want to tell this one last story.
On returning home from the WEG I was really really aware that my story and experience were the result of the selfless help of lots and lots of people who will never be acknowledged. I really wanted somehow to acknowledge them, and thought that part of the need would be serviced if I was to organize a Benefit Ball, where monies raised would be distributed to the local clubs: Hunter Valley Dressage Club, Alexander Park Dressage Club, Singleton Dressage Club, Dungog Horse Trials and Scone Horse Trials. These clubs have made an enormous contribution to both Rozzie and I over the last two decades plus, take the Hunter Valley Dressage Club who would in the late eighties organize official Grand Prix judges for our local competitions even though Rozzie was the only Grand Prix entrant! That was a considerable extra cost to the club and came out of all the average local competitors’ pockets. All of those local clubs over the years have made similar sacrifices and quite frankly, it’s bloody amazing and I just can’t believe Rozzie and I have been so lucky.
So that was my initial thought and need. Of course if we were going to have a fundraiser up here then it was a logical progression of thought that we would also include Guy Wallace, who is very special to all of us, on the beneficiary list.
So I talked about it with some of the locals and they all thought it sounded like a great idea and I talked some more and time slipped by and I just did bloody nothing.
Well, event rider, Sally McKechnie who worked for me for some four years, most of that time while Guy was also here at the Centre, just got fed up and rang me while I was in Melbourne doing Dressage with the Stars, and said, ‘Are you going to do this or not?’ What could I say? No I was just spinning that story so the local clubs thought I was thinking of them!! Nope I couldn’t say that. Or, No. I’m too busy and the fact that all those people put in decades of work towards Rozzie and I is just tough. Nope, I couldn’t say that. Or, Look Sally, Guy is fine, somebody will look after him and the clubs will keep struggling on just as they have done for the last thirty odd years. Nope, I couldn’t say that. So what could I say?
Yes, of course I’m going to do this. I just haven’t quite worked out the details yet!!!!
Yep, that was the only answer and I boomed it straight down the phone without a moment’s hesitation. There was a moment’s hesitation at the other end, which in hindsight, I realise were the steel jaws of a trap snapping shut, and I am sure a cut smile appeared on Sally’s face as she marvelled at how predictable I was.
"Well," she said, "There is a great venue in the Pokolbin vineyards called Lindemans, and the only available date is February 1st. What do you think?"
"Well, er, GREAT, FANTASTIC!" I enthused down the phone.
"That’s what I thought you would say," said Sally, and so I’ve gone ahead and booked it, and also booked a band and given your name as guarantor!"
I guess I hung up not long after that, telling Sally what a great job she was doing and trying like mad to get my mind around it and getting a terrible feeling that the lead in time was very very short and allowing for Christmas and New Year, it was madness. Well madness does have a certain presence in all works of genius and I tried to comfort myself with that thought.
Friday December 20th and the cry for help has been sounded with 20 odd poor long suffering souls turning up at the Lochinvar Pub at 7.30 pm, rather than doing the Christmas party thing – and they volunteer to become part of a Commando group to organize this fundraiser.
The Hunter Valley Black Tie Benefit Dinner.
The war in my mind is against the incredibly short time frame we have, or so I think in my naivety. In actual fact I’m not wrong in this, however there are lots of hidden nightmares which have since emerged to terrorise me (Tales for another time).
We divide the group into working sections.
The aim is to raise a minimum of $40,000 after all expenses have been taken out. Sharna Glover gets the awesome task of being Financial Controller, and I make it crystal clear that if we fall short of our target, then she gets the blame. Stable Manager, who organises where everyone sits, decoration, tickets and distribution, amongst other dreaded things, is Sharon Carrol.
Video producer is Peter Haynes with Toy Martin the co-ordinator. This is featuring Aussies and the WEG and Olympics and big National Shows. It shows lots of falls, mainly of overseas riders however. I am particularly nervous about this as I have been denied any editing rights.
Heading up sponsorship, auction and fundraising is Sally McKechnie and David Glover. Items already include Service Fees to some great stallions, cases of premium wine, the chance to be columnist for a month in The Horse Magazine. Accommodation packages for two, dinner for two at some prestige restaurants, Olympic memorabilia, a Rambo rug, Sydney Harbour Bridge walk, Videos from The Horse Magazine, a day’s Bass fishing with Chris Robertson, and so the list goes on and one. Very exciting and all of this can be accessed and bid for on the Internet at www.nominate.com.au right now!!
Advertising has gone to Vikki Robertson who has been associated with the Centre and Rozzie and I for some 15 years. Doing editorial is Anne Maree Lourey and radio, Robin Horsely.
I am writing this column some 3 days before the RSVP deadline and there are only a handful of bookings. I have started a full-blown panic although I have to say everyone I ring says they are coming, they just haven’t booked yet.
Bloody hell.
By the time this is being read my exact position will be very clear to me. Maybe dire! (Actually we intend putting this up immediately on our www.horsemagazine.com page so the news gets out as quick as possible!) If you think you might like to come or take part in any way please call Sally 0407 547 054 or Sharon 0412 826 725 (We are trying to sell 450 seats at $135 each).
For those of you who will be in similar situations trying your hand at fundraising, we have a 104 point check list which Sharon and Sharna have brainstormed which may save time and help clarify your efforts in the future. Fax us on 02 4930 7600 and we’ll fax you the lists…
Anyhow my next column will hopefully tell of what a great night we all had and hopefully produce some glam photos of the girls in full swing!!! Guy is going to be there, all being okay, so it should be just magic.
Cheers Heath