2009 Variety Splash a huge success

5:21 AM Thu 5 Mar 2009 GMT

'Variety Splash 2009' Andrea Francolini &copy Click Here to view large photo

Hailed a huge success by participants for its 'fun factor' alone, the 2009 Variety Splash raised over $150,000 to help improve the lives of children with special needs.

Around 200 people onboard a fleet of 24 power and sail boats - among them, Sydney to Hobart maxi yacht Skandia Wild Thing - last week travelled a three-day course from Docklands to Mornington, across the bay to Geelong and back up the coast to Waterfront City - with plenty of fun along the way!

Variety Victoria CEO Norm Hutton said he was pleased the event had grown from last year's inaugural event, which raised around $130,000.

'While the economic climate has changed significantly from 12 months ago, it's fantastic to see the community is still willing to dig deep to raise money for those less fortunate,' Mr Hutton said.

Variety Splash 2009 - Andrea Francolini&copy Click Here to view large photo

'A percentage of the money raised during the 2009 Variety Splash will be added to the tally of more than $150,000 already raised over the past two weeks to help provide essential equipment and services to schools and communities devastated by the bushfires.'

Top fundraisers in the 2009 Variety Splash were Team Clairabella and Team Anchorage.

'Whether you raise $10 or $10,000, the fact is you're pitching in to help - and every cent is appreciated,' Mr Hutton said.

'We thank all our sponsors and supporters of the 2009 Variety Splash and look forward to the 2010 event.'