Country Education Foundation of Edward River Region volunteers with Ray White Deniliquin auctioneers and the winning sand pit at the sand pit auction fundraiser for CEF Edward River at the 2023 Deni Ute Muster.
Local foundations of Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) network have taken full advantage of the 2023 Matched Giving Campaign, holding events across regional Australia to benefit country youth.
Matched Giving is an annual campaign that started on the 1st September, and runs until the 31st October, with all funds raised by local CEF foundations being matched by a private philanthropic donor, capped at $5000 per foundation.
With a little over two weeks to go, CEF local foundations have already raised just over $95,000 with the goal of raising $200,000 by the end of the campaign.
Last year, the campaign raised an amazing $347,061 to support 45 local foundations in regional NSW, QLD, SA, NT and Victoria.
Fundraising events to have already happened include:
- CEF Edward River: Deni Ute Muster Sand Pit competition
- CEF Gilgandra Dinner
- CEF Namoi 'Nosh Narrabri' event stall
Upcoming fundraising events, including some happening after the campaign but cleverly selling prepaid tickets for the funds to be included in the campaign total, include:
- CEF Young 'Hilltops Ramble', 21st October
- CEF Grenfell Fashion Parade, 14th October
- CEF Boorowa Derby Day, 4th November
- CEF Braidwood Race Day, 7th November
- CEF Canowindra Race Lunch, 7th November
CEF Edward River raised about $4500 at its fundraiser at the famous 'Deni Ute Muster' in Deniliquin, NSW, on Saturday 30th September.
It held a sandpit building competition, which made for this year's Deni Ute Muster 'CAT Tradie Challenge', receiving four entries, with Ray White Deniliquin auctioning them off and the proceeds going to CEF Edward River to help it support its local grant program for 2024.
Treasurer Wayne Bradley said it was the first time the foundation had been asked to be a charity partner at the Ute Muster, and it was grateful to have the opportunity.
"The amount was well received and equates to a number of scholarships being provided next year," Mr Bradley said.
"A lot of young people, especially country kids, are facing more of an economical drain when it comes to further study and apprenticeships and traineeships."
"The team from Ray White Deniliquin did an amazing job at the auction."
Ray White Deniliquin auctioneers Sam Hall and Hamish Thomson with Country Education Foundation Edward River Region committee member Marg Bull.
Another sandpit design at the 2023 Deni Ute Muster sand pit auction fundraiser.
Two of the venues for this year's 'Hilltops Ramble', Country Education Foundation of Young's major fundraiser.
CEF Young is hosting its annual fundraiser, the 'Hilltops Ramble', on Saturday 21st October.
The event includes a tour of three beautiful dining venues in the Hilltops region of NSW where guests will enjoy morning tea and a history talk at Murringo Barracks and Art Gallery, a gourmet pizza lunch, history talk and beer tasting at Bulla Creek Brewery, and wine tasting, history talk and cheese platters at Grove Estate Wines.
Two CEF Young alumni will also be on deck to speak about how their grants helped them in their studies.
Chair Michael Jones said it would be a great way of exploring the Hilltops region and an experience not to be missed.
"The Ramble is a great opportunity to get together and relax with family and friends, see some of our wonderful local attractions and sample their produce, as well as supporting a truly local cause," he said.
"All funds raised on the day, as well as a kind donation from the Triple 000 charity golf Committee, will help the Young CEF maximize the benefits of the matched giving campaign, and boost the Young coffers for the 2024 scholarship round."
To make sure your generosity will be matched dollar for dollar, donate today without delay, and be sure to select your favourite local foundation.
