Christmas Luncheon 2009

A major event on the CIKA calendar is the annual Macedon Ranges Focus Group’s Christmas party. Focus members have been major supporters of CIKA for over twelve years and whilst their monthly activities are varied, their main endeavours are directed to supporting the funding that CIKA contributes to at the RCH.

Over the years many of the CIKA team have attended the Christmas lunch and it is always a good time to catch up with old friends, enjoy the visit from Santa, sing some carols and enjoy a lovely meal.

Whilst the Focus group was formed primarily to encourage friendship, education and socialization between the women of the Macedon Ranges their endeavours over many years have resulted in generous financial support to CIKA.  This year was no exception and President Chris Rhodes presented to CIKA a cheque for $5500.00.  This was an exceptional fundraising effort and all the Focus members were pleased that this money would be allocated to the purchase of a freezer or the research laboratory at the Chidren’s Cancer Center.

As always Focus loves to surprise us and Vice President, Gwen Kakafikas, stepped forward and, on behalf of her husband and herself, presented a cheque for $1000.00.  Andy and Gwen are the owners of TBS (Aust), importers and wholesalers of curtain and blind hardware and when Gwen held the position of President of Focus she attended several CIKA functions and consequently is very aware of the work that we do.

A formal thank you seems to be a small token for the great support that Focus gives us, but all who attend any of their functions are aware of the generosity of this group of women.

The CIKA members in attendance were Jim, Bernie and James Dawson, Jenny Carafa and Sandra Lehrer.  It was great to catch up with CIKA supporter Susie McConville.