The Dookie, Devenish and District Good Friday Appeal is close to eclipsing $500,000 raised for the Royal Children’s Hospital in the past six years.
President Paul Durden said the group had existed for over 20 years but that the appeal had really become a big success in the past six.
Last year the total amount raised by the appeal added up to more than $100,000, and Mr Durden is hoping to replicate that result this year.
He said the upcoming online auction was the latest event on the appeal’s calendar, with the group hoping to raise around $30,000 for the cause.
“We have over 180 lots people will be able to purchase, all donated from not just local businesses but just individuals as well,” Mr Durden said.
“People from all over have donated, locally, in Shepp, Yarra, Wodonga, we’ve had hay, oil, sprays, dog food, cat food, all different products donated.”
It was not just products — with vouchers, accommodation, dinners and more to be auctioned off.
“Sam Birrell and Kim O’Keeffe are both involved, we’ve had a few politicians interested,” Mr Durden said.
He said he regularly dealt with the same people, and each year they were more generous than the last.
“When I call them up they say, ‘Paul, you can have whatever you want’,” Mr Durden said.
“It’s not about how much is donated, it’s all appreciated.
“It’s amazing the things people are prepared to do.”
The Dookie, Devenish and District Good Friday Appeal holds a number of events a year, including a lamb drive that raised more than $15,000, a ‘show and shine’ day with live music, a bowls night, a yabby day, as well as functions for people.
Mr Durden said all of the events were for the same cause and that they often had live auctions at each event.
Treasurer Chelsea McKay said she was doing the online auction.
She said the full catalogue would be online for viewing by the first of March and that the auction bidding would officially run from March 21 to March 28.
The auction will take place on the Kevin Hicks Real Estate clearing sale online auction website.
Both Mrs McKay and Mr Durden encouraged people to check their Facebook page for upcoming events and information on how to support the cause.
“The community needs a real pat on the back,” Mr Durden said.
“Without the support of everyone we’d have nothing.
“They know everything that is raised is going to the hospital.
“At the end of the day, this is all about the kids.“