THE Friends of Kate (McDonald) group has been overwhelmed with high-quality, special-interest items for its big auction and fundraiser at Wests on Saturday night.
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The Men of League organisation is the latest to take up the cause, donating a signed and framed print of rugby league’s The Entertainers, featuring Billy Slater, Jarryd Hayne, Graeme Langlands, Wally Lewis and Joey Johns.
They’ve also put up a framed Sydney Roosters guernsey signed by premiership-winning captain Anthony Minichiello.
Men of League’s Kevin Robinson said the organisation, founded by league great Ron Coote in 2002, was all about helping out your mates.
“Katie Mac didn’t play rugby league, but she would have if she could have and is therefore considered a mate,” Mr Robinson said.
Kate, a former Tamworth High School student and keen sportswoman, was injured as a result of a freak trampolining accident in January this year.
She was diagnosed a quadriplegic but, as a result of intense rehabiliation, determination and more than a sprinkling of good luck, she has been able to walk again, “if only like a puppet”, as she told friends on social media.
Friends of Kate spokesman Mick Galvin said the number and quality of the items to be auctioned was a sporting fan’s dream.
Mr Galvin said other footballing collectables included a framed and signed Australian Wallabies (2015) jersey and another from the 1995 Rugby World Cup campaign belonging to David Campese.
“We’ve even got a Rabbitohs guernsey signed by Greg Inglis, and he’ll be an Immortal very soon, so that could be worth who knows how much in a few years.”
A sample of some of the other items to be auctioned include a $1500 power tool pack donated by Tamworth Building Supplies, a custom-made vanity worth $1500 from SMW Kitchens, tickets to Cats in Sydney, including Qantas airfares and accommodation at the Radisson, and a Julie Hutchings original artwork.
Ben Hazell, Roshani Priddis and The Principals will provide entertainment on the night.
Tickets are still available from Ammeg Design, opposite Kmart Plaza in Peel St, and at the Shoppingworld Newsagency in West Tamworth.