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Hundreds of people descended on Moonee Valley racecourse this morning to wave off participants in one of Australia’s most popular fundraising events, the Variety Bash.
Among those who braved the winter chill to witness the crazy cars and mingle with the costume-clad participants were cricketing legends Merv Hughes, Shane Warne, David Hussey and Michael Clarke.
The Honourable Bill Shorten – MP for Maribyrnong and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services was also in attendance, officially starting the event with the assistance of students from East Brunswick Special School.
Departing Moonee Valley for lunch at Winton Raceway, the 100 outrageously-themed cars and crews will now settle into a jovial life on the road over the next 10 days, as they travel up through central New South Wales and Queensland’s outback before finishing in Yepoon, on the Sunshine State’s central coast, on 23 August.
As the biggest event on the calendar for Variety, the children’s charity, each year the Bash raises $6-7million nationally – all the way raising public awareness of the valuable work the organisation conducts in improving the lives of Special Needs Children.
Variety achieves this through the provision of equipment, facilities and life experiences and by operating a straightforward and transparent grants program, which draws on funds raised through events, sponsorships and donations.
Further information: Variety, the children’s charity – (03) 8698 3900 or visit: www.varietyvic.org.au
(14 August 2008)
Pictured: Over 100 outrageously-themed cars and crews have left Melbourne to embark on a 10-day ‘road trip with a difference’ – the 2008 Variety Bash. IMAGES: Harry Cassio.
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