Kelly’s Kids Day, held at the McKenzie Reserve in Yarra Glen on Saturday 16 May, was “a success and a credit to the generous community we live in”

– Catherine Grbac, event organiser.

In partnership with the Yarra Glen Junior Football Club and Heartland Church, Catherine and her friends Niki Silverman and Michelle Gilmour felt the day would be the perfect tribute to their best friend, Kelly Crowley, who was tragically killed in a car accident with her son, Ethan, 9 on Labour Day earlier this year. The event sought to raise funds for the Kelly’s Kids Fund, a trust established by Catherine, Michelle and Niki to support Kelly’s daughters who survived the crash, Sierra, 6 and Tahli, 2.

“After a week of heavy rain, we were pleased that the weather turned out to be sunny and warm, as it felt like Kelly and Ethan were looking down on us and smiling” said Ms Grbac.

“The community had been amazing with donations and support in the lead up to the day, and their generosity continued by their participation on the day. We can’t say enough how grateful we are to everyone involved.”

An enormous raffle with over 30 hampers, a silent auction with countless vouchers, plants and other prizes and a live auction conducted by Integrity Real Estate agent William Verhagen resulted in a grand total of $18,658 being raised on the day.

Michelle Jones from Yarra Glen was over the moon when she won the first prize of a trailer from Michael’s Trailers, Healesville.

Catherine added “It would be such a long list to thank everyone individually, but we must also thank the mayor Cr Maria McCarthy, Cr Fiona McAllister and the Yarra Ranges Council. Without the grants they provided in addition to the work of countless volunteers from various other local businesses and organisations, the day wouldn’t have been possible” said Ms Grbac.

For more information, go to the Facebook page In Memory of Kelly and Ethan.