Monster Raffle Continues To Grow

By Dan Hutton on May 4, 2011 in

Often the bond between a father and his son is about more than just family. They are a best mate and a partner in crime – someone to watch footy and scoff down meat pies with. Nobody knows more about this enduring friendship than Mal Ward. The local dad lost his son Johnno in 2008, when he passed away after a long battle with childhood liver disease at the age of nine. Understandably Mal was distraught, but he has been able to ease the pain of this tragedy by reaching out to other young members of the local community suffering from illness.

On May 27, Mal will once again host the Westmead Children’s Hospital Monster Raffle and Auction at the Charing Cross Hotel (81 Carrington Road, Waverley), an event that is now in its 11th year. In addition, for the first time ever there will be a second Monster Raffle and Auction held in Melbourne on June 3. As always, all proceeds will be donated to the Clancy Ward at the Westmead Children’s Hospital where Johnno received much of his care.

When Mal’s not putting on the Monster Raffle and Auction or burning snags at the Mounties Club out west (he’s the owner of Wardy & Sons World Famous BBQ), he keeps himself busy by organising the annual Christmas Presents for Sick Kids, which is now in its fourth year. This event is also held at the Charing Cross Hotel and it calls upon Eastern Suburbs locals to donate gifts to children who are spending their Christmas in hospital. So it’s fair to say that Mal is a pretty good bloke.

Despite the important cause, it won’t all be serious business on the night. The event will kick off at 7:30pm with local larrikin and funny man Steve Holt acting as guest MC. There will be over 40 prizes up for grabs, along with four auction items and plenty of giveaways. And there is sure to be plenty of eye candy on show too with some of the Australia’s Next Top Model girls making an appearance along with a host of AFL and NRL players and television personalities. There will also be a live music courtesy of Nick Andrews and his band and if you like to nibble while you mingle, there will be plenty of finger food provided.

Mal is a local bloke who is dedicated to improving the lives of others, but he can’t do it without the support of the community. His fundraiser first started in 2000, six months after Johnno was first diagnosed. In the first few years the event was raising about three to four thousand dollars. It has continued to grow in popularity, now bringing in over $12,500 a year. Mal anticipates that the fundraiser will continue to expand, saying, “It’s important that we keep the event going as it helps keep Johnno’s memory alive. It has grown so much and will continue to grow.”

So grab some friends and head down to the Charing Cross Hotel on May 27. Raffle tickets are $2 each, 6 for $10, 13 for $20 or 35 for $50. If you are interested in donating a raffle prize or an auction item please contact Mal on 0414 293 396 or email malward@three.com.au as soon as possible.