By Hannah McNamara
Meet Cheree Ridolfi, a kind-hearted Mackay local with a passion for making a difference in the fight against cancer. This August, Cheree will be hosting a #ForkCancer Longest Table event to raise funds for life-changing cancer research.
By hosting this event, Cheree aims to gather friends, family and community members to a fun-filled feast, all while raising crucial funds for a tangible cause. With nearly 444 Australians receiving a cancer diagnosis each day, Cheree is dedicated to raise funds for research in hopes of finding better treatments to work towards the best outcome of all - a cure.
The official date for her event is Saturday, 27 July 2024 but participants can host their tables anytime until 31 August 2024, making it convenient for everyone to join in and support the cause.
Cheree's journey in fundraising began seven years ago with her participation in the Million Paws Walk. Over the years, Cheree has committed herself each year to supporting various causes, including organisations that hold personal significance.
Following her brothers passing, she successfully raised over $4,500 for the mental health initiative, Black Dog, and she continues to remain an inspiring cornerstone in the community for her ongoing fundraising efforts.
Cheree's dedication to cancer fundraising this year has been driven by another cause close to her heart as her daughter-in-law's uncle undergoes a second round of treatment for his unexpected cancer diagnosis, following a sudden heart attack.
“He’s quite close to all of us, he’s been a massive part of our family over the last seven years and was massive in my son and daughters-in-law's wedding,” Cheree said.
“Cancer has surrounded us unfortunately and it just seems that every year you can raise money for a different reason,” she added.
Witnessing the impact of cancer on loved ones has only strengthened Cheree's determination to raise funds that support vital research and provide hope to families facing similar challenges.
With the support of the community and sponsors, Cheree has bought a range of auction items using her own resources to ensure a successful fundraising event. She hopes to exceed her fundraising goal of $1,000, which will be matched and doubled by the organisation behind the Longest Table initiative if she reaches $5,000.
Cheree emphasises that every dollar counts towards making an impact in someone's life and could potentially fund an entire treatment to support families during such challenging times.
“It’s so gut-wrenching to think ‘what can I do’ and you just wish you could do so much more, but every dollar raised counts.
“I’m hoping to reach $5,000 so it can be doubled, because that will mean a whole treatment for somebody, and their family will get to stay with them in the hospital.”
As preparations for the Longest Table event continue, Cheree invites everyone to donate, participate and celebrate together on 27 July 2024. Beyond raising crucial funds, the event is an opportunity to come together, share stories and offer support to those affected by cancer.
Last year, Cheree hosted a successful Pink Luncheon Day, featuring a lively auction with pink-themed attire and items. Reflecting on the event, she describes it as not only fulfilling but also ‘a lot of fun’.
Unlike her previous daytime events, this year, she envisions an evening of elegance and camaraderie in cocktail attire.
Cheree said, “This year I chose the longest table as it’s something different, a lot of the ones I’ve done in previous years have been during the day and I wanted to make it something special at night time and do a cocktail attire, this one’s going to be a lot of fun!”
Her event promises an evening of nibbles, drinks and lively auctions, creating an atmosphere where support and compassion thrive.
By joining her Longest Table event, you're not just attending a meal, you're contributing to life-saving research that brings hope to countless individuals and families across Australia.
“Cancer can rip a family apart, but it can also bring a family together.”
In a display of community kindness, local businesses and sponsors such as Keeping it Real, Epiroc, Debbie's Seafood and The Golf King Superstore have generously contributed to her cause with discounts and vouchers.
If you wish to donate, please visit www.thelongesttable.com.au/fundraisers/chereeridolfi or scan the QR code and search for: Cheree Ridolfi.
Cheree Ridolfi will hold a #ForkCancer Longest Table event on July 27th to raise vital funds for cancer research. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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