Forever Johnno Fundraiser A Monstrous Success

By Sarah Healey on July 3, 2015 in News

Last month marked the fifteen-year anniversary of local legend Mal Ward’s Monster Raffle and Auction, held in loving memory of his son Johnno, who passed away in 2008 after a long battle with childhood liver disease.

The Coogee Bay Hotel opened its doors to support the amazing cause and raise much-needed funds for the Clancy Ward at Westmead Children’s Hospital, where Johnno received much of his care.

At the end of the night $7,215 was raised, and Mal couldn’t have been prouder.

“It only makes me more determined to keep coming back year after year. Seeing so many people who really want to make a difference, it’s what keeps me going,” Mal said.

As always, a few celebrities were there on the night, including Home and Away star Jake Speer and veteran attendee Dr Chris Brown (a.k.a. the Bondi Vet), both of whom were more than happy to get amongst it and have a chat to the crowd, and Nick Andrews and Friends provided sensational old-school rock to keep everyone on the dance floor after a few schooners.

The real VIPs on the night, though, were the nurses from Clancy Ward, who showed up in record numbers to be part of this time-honoured event.

South of the border, at the Royal Standard Hotel in Melbourne, the Monster Raffle’s sister event raised a whopping $3,501 for the Royal Children’s Hospital.