The annual ACTON and C&R Conveyancing Charity Golf Day for Pat Thomas House has raised more than $45,000 for children impacted by family and domestic violence.
Held at Dawesville's The Cut Golf Course last month, organisers blitzed their fundraising goal - bringing the total funds raised to $250,000 over the six years the event has been held.
The event directs all money raised to Pat Thomas House to fund advocacy, support and education services for children accommodated there.
For more than 30 years, Pat Thomas House has provided refuge and support for women and children experiencing family domestic and violence.
In the last financial year, over 200 children were accommodated - an increase of 16% on the previous period.
Pat Thomas House chairperson Paula Downing said fundraising events were vital to provide the services necessary in the region.
"The impact of domestic and family violence on children is immense and can often affect them for the rest of their life and may contribute to intergenerational violence," she said.
"We need to do everything possible to create a safer tomorrow for children impacted by violence and abuse."
Before teeing off at the picturesque links course, the 114 golfers taking part started the day with a sausage sizzle, thanks to Alcoa.
An enjoyable morning on the course in pursuit of top honours was followed by the main event, featuring the fundraising auction and raffle as well as plenty of celebrity guest speakers.
A previous client of Pat Thomas House also shared her experience of family and domestic violence over her 20 years of marriage and the ongoing impact of it on her now adult children.
Her courageous recount of her lived experience rallied the audience, who dug deep for a good cause.
Read more from the Mandurah Mail domestic violence series:
- 'It's an awful thing': Mandurah domestic violence victims left homeless
- 'The laws are the issue': Police praised by domestic violence support workers
- 'Concerning': Demand for family violence services increases in Peel region
- 'Heartbreaking and frustrating': Calls for refuge to support DV victims in Peels outer region
- 'Great benefit': Mandurah police and domestic violence workers celebrate second refuge
The event would not have been possible without the help of long-standing Cut Golf Club member Bob Slade, who once again combined his business skills with his passion for creating a safer future for children to bring together one of the top charitable golf days in the state.
Mr Slad secured leading sporting personalities for the celebrity panel including former Hockeyroo Sally Carbon, West Coast Eagles chief executive Trevor Nisbett, former AFL player Hayden Ballantyne and Kookaburra hockey player Aran Zalewski, who each shared amusing stories and life anecdotes.
Always humble, Mr Slade said he did not seek recognition for the success of the event.
"I am astounded at the generosity of our community - it shows what we are capable of achieving together," he said.
More than 20 donated items were hotly contested by the audience with the winning bidders securing top items and experiences from holidays to artworks, diamond jewellery and vouchers.
Many attendees also left with a raffle prize.
Ms Downing said she was appreciative of the contributions from more than 50 businesses and individual sponsors.
"A few special people and businesses have been integral to the success of the event," she said.
"Pat Thomas House is especially grateful to Bob Slade, Noelene Ballantyne and Greg Kent of ACTON Mandurah for their invaluable individual contributions.
"The deep connection we have with the community and business is evidenced by the growing support of the event."
ACTON's principal Graeme Baxter applauded Pat Thomas House for their work in the local area.
"We are very pleased to be associated with the Charity Golf Day and our other charity events that raise much-needed funds for Pat Thomas House," he said.
"Through our sponsorship of this charitable event and other quarterly auctions ACTON has raised over $15,000 this year to support the wonderful work of Pat Thomas House in the community."
The Cut general manager Neil Davey said the team behind the scenes were committed to providing support for children impacted by family violence.
"We are delighted to host this annual charity event and believe it has potential to raise even more for the vulnerable children in our community," he said.
Pat Thomas House acknowledges major sponsors ACTON Mandurah, C&R Conveyancing, Flight Centre, Empire Diamonds and The Cut Golf Course for their continued support.
To make a once-off or a monthly donation to Pat Thomas House, visit the website.
If you need help with domestic violence, contact 1800 RESPECT at 1800 737 732 or phone the crisis care family helpline on 08 9223 1111 or 1800 199 008. In an emergency, phone 000.
