Community Spirit Shines as PRD Port Stephens Raises $7,781 for Brain Cancer Research
The Port Stephens community came together in heartwarming fashion last Friday at PRD’s Beanies & Breaky for Brain Cancer fundraiser, raising an impressive $7,781 for the Mark Hughes Foundation.
Hosted by PRD Port Stephens, the event saw overwhelming support from locals, trades, clients and businesses who gathered for a morning of connection and generosity. With hot bacon and egg rolls on the BBQ, barista made coffee, raffle prizes and beanies on, the event created a truly uplifting atmosphere all in support of critical brain cancer research.
Local businesses played a major role in the success of the event, with generous contributions from the Lions Club, who donated their time and ran the barbecue, and Domain, who provided the coffee van. Donations also poured in from Anna Bay Wholesale Meats, Port Stephens Egg Farm, Woolworths Nelson Bay, IGA Salamander Bay, and Guys Choice Cuts Butchers, along with a wide range of raffle prizes from multiple other local sponsors and businesses.
The morning drew a steady crowd of supporters who gave generously, purchased raffle tickets enjoyed breakfast and helped raise both awareness and much-needed funds.
“Our team were absolutely buzzing during the event and couldn’t stop talking about how wholesome and uplifting the atmosphere was,” said Philippa Brooks, General Manager at PRD Port Stephens. “It was such a privilege to connect with our local trades, businesses and wider community in such a genuine and social setting. We had set a lofty fundraising target of $5,000 and were thrilled to surpass it. The experience really restored our faith reminding us that there are so many kind, generous and beautiful people still in the world. We’re truly thankful for every single person who supported this cause.”
Among the standout moments on the day were the extraordinary gestures from several community members. Ben from Bell Jam Finance not only covered breakfast costs for all school aged children but later topped up his spend to a generous $1,000 donated to the cause. Two local clients also made individual $1,000 donations, helping boost the total to nearly $8,000.
All proceeds from the event have now been donated directly to the Mark Hughes Foundation, supporting ongoing research into one of Australia’s most devastating and underfunded diseases.
The event served as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community unites.
