Fundraising runs in the Bayne family with all three generations being involved over many years.
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Jackie Bayne’s first major fundraiser was a two and a half day walk from Queensland’s Mt Glorious to Toowoomba in 1993.
“My mother had heart disease and the Heart Foundation had not long started and there was no government funding,” she said.
“My mother and I as well as my daughter did the walk and we raised nearly $10,000 for the foundation.
“My mother was always fundraising for something or other and I think it was just passed on down through the family.”
When Jackie moved to Dungog 14 years ago she bought her fundraising ideas with her, starting off with Bluey’s famous barn dances.
She got a signed cricket bat from cricketing legend Doug Walters and this was auctioned off for $1000.
This was followed up by two paintings from Italian artist Salvatore Zofrea which also brought $1000 each.
“Last year I organised an antique fair in June with the proceeds to go to Lara Aged Care,” Jackie said.
“The RSL Club gave us the venue for free and we also hired St Mary’s Hall across the road for the weekend event.
“People came from everywhere and all the tables were taken by stall holders.
“We were $120 short of raising $5000 which bought a special weighing machine for the residents.”
Jackie’s late daughter Bianca was also a keen fundraiser, and spent five years in England encouraging artists to donate their works to be auctioned off for charity.
“She raised half a million dollars for Amnesty International and Gay Pride,” Jackie said.
“This is the 10th anniversary of her death in Barcelona on Mother’s Day so this is my motivation to this year raise money for Dungog Legacy.
“I was so proud of her, she did a great job.”
Jackie became a member of Dungog Legacy a few months ago.
Her father fought in WW11 and she wanted to help out the widows and children who are looked after by Legacy.
“If I am going to raise money for an organisation I may as well be a member,” she said.
“This way I get an insight into what they are all about and what the money will be used for.”
Chairman of the Dungog Division of Hunter Legacy Nick Helyer said the fundraiser was an “amazing gesture” by Ms Bayne.
“We run on the smell of an oil rag and have 60 widows in the district to look after,” he said.
“We like to take them on outings through the year and have a Christmas dinner for them at the club too.
“Sausage sizzles are held at Masters and Bunnings through the year, but this fundraiser will certainly help us out.”
The Dungog Antiques and Collectables Fair will be held at Dungog RSL Club, Dungog Festival Lounge and St Mary’s Parish Hall on Saturday and Sunday, June 4 and 5.
For more information phone Jackie on 0417 197 500.
