Melbourne's Variety Splash sails to victory

5:09 AM Fri 20 Mar 2009 GMT

'Variety Splash 2009 - Melbourne (AUS) -
ph. Andrea Francolini' Andrea Francolini &copy

Variety Splash 2009 - Melbourne (AUS) - ph. Andrea Francolini - Andrea Francolini&copy

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

The Variety Splash also has a serious side - its primary objective to raise funds for the provision of life-changing equipment and experiences to Special Needs Children.

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 Victoria's Special Needs Children.

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.

A percentage of the monies 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.'

by Bianca Garo

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