The Coleambally community came together on Saturday night, raising over $80,000 at an auction for Beck Collie.
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Beck’s life was changed drastically in April when her quad flipped and severed her spinal cord, leaving her paralysed from the waist down.
It’s estimated that over 200 people came down to the community club to lend a hand and bid.
The money raised from the auction went toward Beck’s future fund, a fund set up to help with costs associated with her recovery and helping her out at home.
Beck’s sister, Sarah Kisela said the night was fantastic on many different levels.
”On the night, when we were there it was just really great to be able to see and talk to everyone who has been supporting us the whole time,” she said.
“It was great to be able to talk to them and thank them in person.”
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The event also gave Beck, Sarah and their family the chance to catch up with old friends.
Family members travelled to support the cause. People also made the trek from Griffith for the occasion.
Mrs Kisela wanted to thank the people of Coleambally for their contributions at the auction and over the past months.
“From the bottom of our hearts we just want to thank everybody for their support. We are so grateful,” she said.
“It’s great to know what a good community and what great friends and family we have.”
Event organiser Dianne Anderson says that the turnout completely exceeded expectations.
“It was really amazing. We’re in shock. Everyone was having fun and bidding up,” she said.
“We’re amazed. I was personally hoping for $20 – 30 thousand, but the final sum was amazing.”
Mrs Kisela said that extra chairs and tables had to be set up to accommodate the influx of people.
“It was overwhelming. The club was completely full.”
While the final amount won’t be known until later in the week, Ms Anderson says everyone who attended spent generously.
“We had a couple of good auctioneers that kept everyone entertained,” she said.
“People were bidding lots. They were having fun with it. Everything made amazing money.”
The auction offered a wide range of items including an animal adoption from Australia Zoo, vouchers, hampers and a range of signed sporting goods.
One of the highest selling items was a Mohummad Ali photo, fetching over $7,000.
“We really had no idea going into it, but it was a really good crowd,” Ms Anderson said.
To keep up with any future fundraisers, follow Beck’s Future Fund on Facebook.
