RESERVES SIDE ANYTHING BUT SECOND BEST AS POPULAR PODCAST RAISES $19K FOR CANCER SERVICES
When the self-proclaimed ‘CEO of Twos Football’, Connor Smith, wrote a mailbag question into the Highway to Hume Podcast back in April, not one person could have predicted that the outcome of it would be close to $20,000 raised to support local cancer services.
A request to name the Hume League Reserve Grade Team of the Century lead podcast hosts Robbie Mackinlay, Mason Collins and Mark Beale to the idea of a fundraising event to support the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund. This team would help celebrate all the players who weren’t necessarily the fittest, most talented or the most dedicated, but certainly entertaining.
An idea for a dinner to name the side, alongside the appearance of popular comedian Tom Siegert AKA the Suburban Footballer, was able to draw in nearly 150 people to the Commercial Club in Albury for the event. A night of laughs, stitch ups and celebrations certainly outweighed original expectations of host Robbie Mackinlay.
“We got the idea from a mailbag question back in April. We initially suggested the dinner idea as a bit of satire, but once we got some feedback that people would actually attend, we thought why not. The idea to raise money for the Cancer Centre came about as my son, Andrew, had just started working there.” Mackinlay said.
“All of us in our lives have been affected by cancer in one way or another, and for us to be able to give back a little bit through our platform was an easy decision. The generosity of the wider football and netball community is incredible. These are people who give up countless hours during the week to run their clubs and then back it up by donating their hard-earned money to charity.”
Gold sponsor, Mark Beale of Ray White Albury North, said he was blown away by the numbers thrown around at the auction.
“It is amazing to see guys open their wallet whenever they see some memorabilia. Poor old Richmond supporters haven’t seen many good days over the last few years, so it was very competitive for a signed Dustin Martin piece. Nick Daicos was also a popular item as well.” Beale said.
The highest priced item of the night was an ANZAC themed piece bought by the Pleasant Hills Hall to display amongst the other memorabilia that they had collected. An amazing $2,200 was raised just on this one item!
Another highlight of the night was the hilarious interviews Mason Collins conducted with players and umpires selected in the side
Trust Fund Manager, Andrew Mackinlay, said it was amazing to see the community continue to contribute to these events.
“It is incredible to see the different ideas that the community has to raise money. This is just another great example of the incredibly creative ways that people come up with to support us. These community fundraisers are the heartbeat behind the Trust Fund.”
The Highway to Hume Podcast would like to thank all their sponsors for the event. Particularly, the Commercial Club Albury for their kind donations and use of the venue, Mark Beale – Ray White Albury North, Mason Collins Building, Your Sport and Media, Signarama, Jono’s Jerky, Border Sign Studio, Connor Smith, Phil Bouffler and Nimbus Broking.
