Ladies raise $11k

FIFTEEN YEARS AGO Cathy Dellow and Liz Morgan decided to invite some friends for dinner to support the FatPigeon Cafe that had just opened. It became so popular that the numbers grew rapidly, because everyone wanted to see what Melanie Simpson was going to cook for each dinner. Rose Young decided to call the dinners ‘Critique Club’, as we all commentated on the fabulous food that Melanie had cooked for us. Rose was in charge of running the Critique Club until she got sick.

Rose was a big loss to the Piopio area, so we did a did a fundraiser 6 years ago for the local St John in memory of Rose.

Cathy and Suzie Hoare met up recently and decided they could do another fundraiser to celebrate the lives and remember all those in our community that we still treasure and are missed beyond measure, who have passed over, and to also acknowledge all the Emergency services that are so important for all rural people. We value especially our volunteers in the community who give many hours to St John and the Fire Brigade so that we have the emergency services we need to keep here in Piopio.

So, 73 ladies in October got together at the Fat Owl and we celebrated life with a beautiful meal, friendship (yes it was quite loud with everyone talking) and we had an auction which was made possible by our amazing sponsors so that we could raise $11,000 on the night.

We have donated the funds raised to
Piopio St John, Piopio Fire Brigade and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Thankyou to Glen Lane for auctioning the items.

We thank our sponsors – Smyth family (Pioi Station), Poole family, Atkin family, Jo Collins, The Floral Studio, Spellbound - Libby and Peter Chandler, Jo Gallagher, Rotor Work Ltd, Fat Owl Eatery, Fat Pigeon Cafe, Blooms and Brews, along with many donations on the night. See you all next year.
Cathy Dellow, Suzie Hoare, Alison Ferris, Jo Barnett and Joy Jeffries
Birdtalk Magazine December 2024 & January 2025