Jason Edwards courageously went along to the Lads Long Lunch event, which raised $121,000 towards his 13-year-old son, Xavier Edwards, who is now a quadriplegic after falling off his bicycle.
Jacqui and Dave Wagener of the Moama Bakery along with Ladies Long Lunch Committee hosted and organised the event, which was held at a private residence in Moama on Friday, May 20.
Two hundred and forty people purchased a $150 ticket to the event which included a two-course lunch, bottomless alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and live entertainment from Rogue Music.
Moama Bakery’s Jacqui Wegener said the amount raised well and truly surpassed theirs and Jason’s expectations.
“Jason was completely blown away and overwhelmed by the figure,” she said.
“Our aim was to raise $50,000. We were not expecting to raise as much as we did because we only pulled the fundraiser together at the last minute, in about three weeks.”
Mrs Wegener said even though there was a significant amount of time pressure, it was still the easiest fundraiser that they have ever put together.
“The community support for this fundraiser was just unbelievable. We only had to ask and people were instantly willing to help,” she said.
“My husband Dave approached just about all of the pubs, wineries and bottle shops in town and they were all willing to give away 10 or 20 boxes of alcoholic beverages each.
“It just goes to show that the Edwards family have an army of people from our community behind them and coming together in support of them.”
Many among the crowd were astounded when Jason made the spontaneous decision to make a speech at the event.
Mrs Wegener said many were touched by Jason’s ability to stay positive during tough times.
“I just remember Jason saying in his speech that if he had a dollar for every time that he had said the word amazing in response to something over the past few months, then he would be a very rich man,” she said.
“I was taken aback and even inspired by Jason’s capacity to remain optimistic.”
One hundred per cent of the proceeds made from ticket sales and auctioned off items went towards the Edwards family.
Mrs Wegener explained that people were incredibly generous at the event.
“People bought auction items for way more than they were retailed for,” she said.
“Everyone had their wallet open for the cause.
“I think people’s generosity probably stemmed from the fact that Xavier’s situation really resonated with people because it was just such an innocent, freak accident that could have happened to anyone.”
Although the amount they have donated to the family is an exuberant amount of money, Mrs Wegener explained that it is “still barely going to touch the sides,” in terms of how much they need.
“Jase won’t be able to work anymore and they will need to make major modifications to their house and vehicle which is going to cost a lot,” she said.
“I just hope that the money we’ve raised can make even a small difference in their lives.”
The next fundraiser hosted by the Ladies Long Lunch Committee will be a Sunday soiree event held on October 23, with more details to be announced soon.
Anyone who wants to donate towards the Edwards family can do so by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/f/xavier-edwards