On Monday 14th October, men and women will gather at the Branxton Community Hall for the Wear White & Teal High Tea for Ovarian Cancer to raise money for the insidious disease. It’s a cause close to the hearts of many, which is why the event is the recipient of this month’s @ The Coalface and Complete Parts $500 Community Gift.
North Rothbury’s Helen Scott started the high tea in 2015 in a bid to raise money for women’s cancer.
“We started with a Dressing Pink High Tea for Women’s Cancer, but everyone always thought we were just raising money for breast cancer rather than any other form of women’s cancer so this year I decided to change the colour entirely and focus on ovarian cancer.
“There is no testing for ovarian cancer, you don’t know until it’s far too late that you have it. It seemed like nothing was being done fundraising wise for ovarian cancer research which is why I changed tact.
“I saw a need. Mum just passed, she was 91, she never had cancer and neither did Dad and I am grateful for that. There’s none of that in the background for me on a personal level, I’m just a person whose eyes and ears are open and looking and hearing and I saw a need and ran with it.
“All of the money we raise at the event goes directly to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. All the money from the ticket sales, the tombola prizes, the raffles, everything.”
Around 1,815 Australians are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year and approximately 1000 lives are lost to ovarian cancer each year in Australia. Ovarian cancer is a term for a group of diseases that originate in the ovaries, fallopian tubes or peritoneum.
There are many different types and there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer – a pap smear doesn’t detect it. Due to the lack of testing, around 70 per cent of cases are diagnosed when the cancer is in the advanced stages and already spread to other parts of the body.
Helen has raised over $25,000 through her high teas since 2015.
“I have also held several Biggest Morning Teas in the past with the Branxton CWA ladies and we’ve raised over $20,000 for the Cancer Council through those.
“I’m always trying to find fun ways for people to part with their money for a good cause,” laughed Helen.
Each year Helen creates a different theme at her High Tea with centrepieces and china cups and saucers on each table setting.
There are dozens of tombola prizes up for grabs, a lucky door prize for each table, and each guest receives a thank you gift for attending and helping to raise money for ovarian cancer research.
“It’s a huge job, we have some lovely people who help me set up, and then pack up and wash up – it’s a massive day! I would be lost without these amazing people.”
Helen has lived in North Rothbury for 22 years. Interestingly, she is a first generation Australian of Polish parents who were in the Greta camp.
“The Branxton Community Hall used to be the YMCA Hall for the Greta Army/MigrantCamp and I am the caretaker on behalf of Council. I love the history and the connection.”
| The Wear White & Teal High Tea for Ovarian Cancer is on Monday 14th October. Tickets are selling fast, head to the Branxton Community Hall Facebook page for more details. You can donate directly via: https://www.ocrf.com.au/my-fundraising/688/wear-teale-high-tea |
