Fashion parade lends a hand

By Danielle Galvin
DEANNE Sutherland is born and bred in Berwick. At 41, her nine-year long battle with breast cancer is not over.
Expensive chemotherapy treatments and medical bills means Deanne, affectionately known as Dee, has a tough battle ahead of her.
But the community has rallied behind the Berwick mother. On Friday 20 May the ladies of Berwick will again show their support for Dee by coming along to a fashion parade and silent auction at Berwick’s St Michael’s Church.
Jodie Radings is behind the event and has known Dee for 22 years. Their husbands grew up together and all four have remained close.
“It’s amazing what started out as an event for 100 people turned into a 150 person event,” she said.
Jodie and Dee sat down just five weeks ago to brainstorm an idea about how they could raise funds for Dee’s medical treatment.
“Cosmo Couture in Berwick has been our biggest supporter, partnering with us for the event.
“Dee and I are both good friends with the owner, Karen Clements, who has kindly donated clothes for the fashion show.”
The event will involve a fashion parade, a raffle and silent auction.
The top prizes in the raffle include a new dishwasher, a $200 Endota Spa voucher, and a $200 Harvey Norman voucher.
“So many women have decided to bring their friends along and all of a sudden it has grown to be a big event”.
But for Dee, the continued support from her Berwick community is what is most important.
Jodie says she was able to get Berwick businesses involved by simply mentioning Dee’s name.
“I walked into the Drysdale’s Berwick Village Jewellery looking for support or a donation.
“When Mrs Drysdale heard me mention her name, she donated a $300 pearl necklace to be auctioned off at the show. She had known Dee for years.”
St Michael’s has given the church hall for the evening, generously supporting Dee through her battle with breast cancer. Dee’s children go to the school.
Jodie and her husband are also auctioning off a talented tradie for the day, who works for their business, Fairhaven Homes.
Jodie promises the former chippy will walk down the catwalk as well as helping out by doing odd jobs around the home for the lucky bidder.
Tickets to the event are $60, and can be bought from Cosmo Couture in Berwick. Ticket price includes a fashion show, food and drink.