By KATIE BALFE
THE highly anticipated "Red Party" fundraiser supporting the Mt Buller Ski Patrol Volunteers, presented by Bumps and Mt Buller Ski Lifts, proved to be the night of the season, bringing the old school party back to Mt Buller.
Hosted by the Ski Club of Victoria at the iconic Bumps Bar, on August 12 the event brought together local community members and friends, all united in their support of Mt Buller Ski Patrol, and their Volunteers.
The Red Party was an evening of dynamic community engagement, goodwill and charitable spirit.
The Silent Auction, held in the adjacent Governors Lounge, had over $15,000 in items up for grabs providing staunch competition, with guests vying to secure bids across the 17 premium items generously donated by Bumps (various), AVA, Little Picket Restaurant, Harro Art, Ski Patrol, BSL and Holloway Diamonds.
In the sparkly Red disco themed Bumps Bar, DJ Eddy worked his magic, spinning good time tunes, and giving away multiple prizes for “the best dressed” as the dance floor heaved with joyous revelers. Shout out to Toby Fleming and the crew from Koflers Hutte for the awesome lunch vouchers and to NAMA for the fabulous Buller books that were gifted to lucky winners.
The Bumps Ski Strap Roaming Raffle went off with one hundred straps purchased, and four lucky winners that walked away with amazing Bumps bag packs & ski tunes.
In the adjacent Governors Lounge, meanwhile, Santa Claus was busy at work, taking Pledges for Patrol with guests pledging generous contributions as they posed for a mini polaroid photo.
19-year-old Tommy Adamson won the biggest pledge with a solid $150, whilst on the other side of the room Matt Lawrence was the winner of the 50: 1 hat raffle winning the coveted K2 Ski pack valued at over $1200.
Peter Haley, owner of Bumps said, "It’s nights like these, where the community comes together to celebrate and give so generously that are a testament to our very special Buller community.
“It’s the shared commitment to safety and camaraderie that makes Bumps just so proud to be a part of this”.
Wojciech Pluta, Captain of the Volunteers added, "We’re overwhelmed by the tremendous support shown by our community for the Mt Buller Ski Patrol Volunteers.
“The Red Party has been a fantastic night to not only underscore the crucial role our Ski Patrol plays in ensuring the safety of all resort visitors, but also to celebrate the coming together of our community, putting a face to the names of our Volleys that work the season on the hill.”
The event's success was also driven by the generosity of sponsors, partners, and donors with the funds raised going directly to fund Mt Buller Ski Patrol Volunteers' Advanced Emergency Care annual training courses.
"We are deeply grateful for the incredible support the Volunteers received through the Red Party fundraiser," said Ed Mahon, Mt Buller Ski Patrol Manager.
"Funds generated from the Red Party mean that our Volunteers can continue to be the strongest Volunteer patrol in Australia in providing best-in-class capabilities, continuing to serve the Mt Buller community with the highest level of care and expertise."
Mt Buller Ski Patrol Volunteers, Bumps and Mt Buller Ski Lifts expressed their gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this event.
