The Finley Apex Club goal of keeping Finley thriving received a huge boost at the weekend, with a large number of people attending the annual RiceStrippers Charity Ball.
Held at the Finley Showgrounds on Saturday, the event attracted visitors from as far away as southern Victoria, South Australia and northern NSW, proving beneficial both socially and financially to the local community.
Apex president Jackson Schifferle said while numbers were not quite back to pre COVID-19 levels, “we were quite happy with nearly 800 attending, which is up on last year’s just under 500 attendees”.
Proof of the event’s popularity was evident when the visitors began arriving and camping at the grounds from Friday afternoon.
Set up for the event began Friday, with more than 100 volunteers assisting.
Mr Schifferle thanked "all those who worked so hard to have everything set up so well“.
Many of the volunteers came from other local organisations, who will receive a generous donation for giving up their time to help.
Finley Apex member Brad Good said the groups included their own club, as well as Cobram-Barooga Apex Club, Finley High School, Finley Little Athletics, St Joseph’s Finley, Finley Football Netball Club, Finley Cricket Club, Finley Public School P&C, the Finley Show Society, Finley Apex Sports & Recreation Reserve, Finley Pistol Club and Finley Golf Club.
“We also had Apex members’ partners and walk-in community members who were keen to lend a hand and see what it’s all about,” Mr Good said.
“Without all of these people, it would not have been possible.
“We give credit to everyone who gave up their time, not to mention the Apex Club members who put in a lot of hard work and give up time with their partners and families to put on these local events”.
Mr Good highlighted that all proceeds from the annual ball - and the Finley Rodeo, which is also run by Apex - are donated back to the community.
He said suggestions of projects that may benefit from this year’s events would be welcome.
“Apex really appreciates the broader community’s support, and the club is always looking out for more projects around the town to invest in.
“We understand the ball is a noisy event, however the outcome far outweighs any inconvenience with all profits injected back into the area.
“Also, where practically possible, the club sources everything it can from Finley.”
Mr Good said the amount raised form the weekend is still being collated, but that the Finley Food Bank was the first to receive a donation.
Excess food items not consumed over the weekend have been donated to the charity to distribute to community members in need.