FANTASTIC FUNDRAISER: The two ladies whose hard work came to fruition on Saturday night for Josh Lynch's fund raising event, Eileen O'Shea (left) and Jasmine Ryan (right) are pictured with Josh and his parents Anthony and Sheree Lynch. Photo: WAYNE COCK
OVER $40,000 raised from an auction night and other fundraising efforts will go to a Barry man who had his leg amputated after sustaining injuries in a boating accident at Carcoar Dam earlier this year.
Around 320 people gathered at the Blayney Bowling Club last Saturday night to show their support for Josh Lynch and his family by bidding for items in a massive auction of donated goods.
The event was organised by local women Eileen O'Shea and Jasmine Ryan, who came together to rally support for the family.
"We didn't know each other before this but Josh's mum knew both of us and we both wanted to do something to help," Ms O'Shea said.
"We started organising the fundraiser three months ago and wrote letters to businesses, door-knocked, and some people just came forward to offer their support.
"Originally we were only expecting to raise $10-$15,000 so this result is fantastic."
Ms O'Shea said both she and Mrs Ryan were overwhelmed with the sheer number of people that attended the auction night and donated money.
"There were a lot more people there than we were expecting, the generosity was amazing and they were all their to support Josh
"It was a really fun night and we had lots of positive feedback."
Cadia Valley Operations also partially contributed $4,000 as part of a dollar-for-dollar donation program, which matches funds raised by employees for charity or sporting events.
Those funds were presented to the Lynch family at the end of the night.
Sheree Lynch, the mother of Josh, said the family were extremely grateful for the support they have received.
"It was a very successful night and I'd like to say a big than you to Eileen and Jasmine for all their work.
"Also a huge thank you to the whole community, to all the people that donated items, that bidded and that turned up on the night.
"Thank you to all that helped Jasmine and Eileen, Master Stephens for running the auction and Gerry for being the MC.
"Thank you to the barbecue workers, Caroline Nankivell and the ladies in the kitchen."
Mrs Lynch said the funds raised will be used to assist Josh return to doing farm work.
"It will assist with ongoing medical costs as well but the main thing he wants is a second-hand modified automatic vehicle so he can drive again," she said.
WHERE THE MONEY CAME FROM.
* Auction raised $27,890
* Ticket sales, silent auction & cash donations raised $9,452
* Cadia dollar-for-dollar fundraiser raised $4,022
* Total raised 41,364