Fundraising reaches a new high

An email arrived before we left home from Rhonda & Barry from Victorian Masonic Motorcycle Association saying that they would like to donate $500 towards our efforts - An extreemly kind and generous gesture from the club. Today I receive another email from Rhonda saying that the Bright Freemasons are going to match the $500 donation making a fabulous donation of $1000 from the two clubs.
The cheques we hope will be presented next sunday when the Victorian Masonic Motorcycle Association does a ride out to Freeburgh.
We look forward to meeting you all and hope you will accept our sincerest thanks for your thoughfullness and generosity.

This brings our fundrasing total to a new high of an astounding $46,000.00.

When we set our fundraising goal of $50,000.00 I dont think we ever really imagined we would reach it - but it is now so close to within our reach and what a wonderful start for Meg's - MegAid trust for her future equipment needs and therapies - again a huge thanks to everyone who has helped us acheive this amazing result.





To Donate to MegAid
Bendigo Bank
MegAid Trust
BSB 633000
Acct 137281846

Tube weaning

Sorry for the long time with no update - The day after TimeWarp - no rest for the wicked -Meg, Jason and I began Meg's trial tube wean & have been at the RCH Melbourne - this means we are seeing if she is capable of eating & drinking orally enough to sustain herself without having to tube feed her. We are on day 10 and it has been a long hard emotional road. But Meg is taking a very keen interest in food for the first time in her life. The weaning process basicly means we stop feeding her via her PEG (Gastonomy tube) and offer her food and drink all the time. Quite an exhausting process, its very hard to see your little one unhappy and hungry - I keep thinking of the hungry hungry catapillar - on day one she ate one spoon of puree - on day 2 she ate one spoon of puree and 1/2 a weetbix etc etc etc - and it really has been very much like that right through up to day 10 when she ate Houmous / Caviar dip/ avocado/ Lamb & Veg casserole w sour cream / mango & apple cereal / Tiramisu / carrot sticks (steamed) / strawberries / apricot tinned & lots more to boot.

We are learing what she likes and doesnt like and her communication (Yes & No's) are getting better and better - its all up to her and we have to place her under no pressure to eat. Not an easy task!

Anyway thats the latest on where we are at with Meg - and now the rest is up to her - we will moniter her weight and hope her oral intake increases with each day untill she starts to put on weight - which could be 4 - 5 months away. This process will totally change her Biorhythm's and is like breaking an addiction to her Peg feeds.

I would like to thank the team at RCH - for trusting in me and for giving us the chance to do this here under their guidence as it was not believed by many experts that Meg would be able to eat orally but she seems to be proving them all wrong to date, lets hope she continues to improve, we still have a long way to go.

For more information on the process we are going through please look up http://www.notube.at/ - this is the clinic in Graz Austria we have spoken about in past posts - we are currently using their online coaching service in conjunction with the RCH team. ( Your donations have helped pay for the $700 EU we had to pay to use the service.)

If your looking at our blog because your going through a similar thing with your child then please log on to http://www.tubefedkids.ning.com/ for a fantastic supportive community of parents with tube fed children, some going through this some have been through this and some are about to begin, its a great source of support, Ideas and information.

Thanks to everyone for all the support.

Kate n Meg

xx

To Donate to MegAid
Bendigo Bank
MegAid Trust
BSB 633000
Acct 137281846

Big Thanks to Mercedes Benz Commercial Vehicles Somerton

Meg is being admitted to the Royal Chidren's Hospital Melbourne tomorrow to undergo a Tube weaning trial. We hope to at least partially wean her from her feeding tube and encorage her to eat more orally.

Mercedez benz Commercial Vehicles Somerton have kindly loaned us a fantastic Vito Van to move all of Meg's equipment and feeding chairs etc down to Melbourne (a lot of gear!)- it is a huge help to us and we would like to thank them profusely.



Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Somerton carries an extensive stock of new vehicles from our range of products which include:
• Mercedes-Benz Trucks
• Mercedes-Benz Vans
• Freightliner & Sterling Trucks
• Fuso Trucks

Our service and parts teams are factory trained to provide ongoing support for the life of your vehicle.



Thank you Anthony and team.

To Donate to MegAid
Bendigo Bank
MegAid Trust
BSB 633000
Acct 137281846

Love to Meg

An annonomous $1000 donation was made in to the MegAid trust account last Thursday with the note "Love to Meg" - What an amazingly generous donation - thankyou so much whom ever you may be. You have our sincere gratitude.


To Donate to MegAid
Bendigo Bank
MegAid Trust
BSB 633000
Acct 137281846

Oh What a NIGHT!

It has to be said that I really don;t think Bright has ever seen the likes of it!

"The Time Warp a musical tribute to Rocky Horror"

It was a fabulous night - loads of people dressed up in appropriate wear / or should I say inappropriate wear for the night and it was hard to find anyone who wasn't enjoying themselves.

Hope you enjoy the Pic!

Down to the serious business of why we were there though.

The fundraisng was a resounding success the Tally so far from the night (we are still waiting on a couple of stalls to get back to us with a final count) is an astounding.................................... $14,763.67, yes folks that's right $14,763.67!

What a night Hey - I cant thank the community of the Alpine Valley enough for getting behind our little Meg and helping us out! Considering our little township of Bright is a mere 2000 ish in population - it just shows how much support we are getting from everyone.

Thanks Again Alpine Valley & everyone who made the trip up or down for the night.

We really hope you enjoyed yourselves and we will keep you posted about next year!

More updates once we have the final tally in.

To Donate to MegAid
Bendigo Bank
MegAid Trust
BSB 633000
Acct 137281846

MORE TIMEWARP PIC'S

Paula Frankenfurter

The Peninsula Crew

Magenta's en-mass

Oh GEORGE!!

Strutting your stuff

Ray Takes the stage!

Lets do the TimeWarp again!

Jason takes the stage

And does a turn

Ray & Sarah

The shire contingent

Jason - getting into character

Joan & Meg

Oh she Just saw someone wearing the same outfit!

Matty Hobbs - AKA - Hobbsie - 3NE / Edge Fm Brekkie announcer & our MC for the Night! Looking FAB in a lovely ensomble

Oh Dear Just what is behind that clip board???

Just a bit of Lippie to finish you off darlink

The Casley Clan at it's finest!

Moulin Rouge meets Rocky Horror!!

The Fabulous Bar staff - all volunteers - Thank you - thank you - thank you!

Eleana who donated $1000 of wine from her vineyard in Porepunkah -www.mayfordwwines.com , Karen, Gemma, Ben, Katie, Chev & Pam from Brown Bros who arranged for a generous donation from http://www.brownbrothers.com.au/ wines in Milawa

Oh Dear I hope Meg & Tom will not be scared for life!

The Door B....tchs ;-) - Christy & Carol! - Promo / ticketing / hall set up & run sheet gurus!

To Donate to MegAid
Bendigo Bank
MegAid Trust
BSB 633000
Acct 137281846

TIMEWARP - 1 DAY AWAY - TIX STILL AVAIL!!

Thanks for purchasing tickets to this Asss….tounding show. Following is a quick look at what’s happening on the Eeee….vening.

It’s just a jump to the left…..

If you’ve bought tickets as a part of a group can you please forward this email on to the other members in your group so they too can be Asss…tounded by what we have in store for you!

Firstly – house keeping (Magenta, Riff Raff) –doors will open promptly at 6.30pm – not before! You will be asked to take your seats at 7.15pm for some pre show announcements – We hope you will enjoy the show! – it starts promptly at 7.30pm! Please don’t be late, the doors will be closed at this time!

Food and beverages will be available on your arrival & at interval, we will be offering Café Chiaro pizza slabs @ $5 and fresh made Lions Club popcorn @ $3. So if things get a little hectic while you squeeze into your fishnets, don’t worry you can eat something at the show.

If you’re a little more organized we have a number of eateries in town offering a pre show dinner sitting beginning at 5.30pm, as an added bonus they are donating 10% of sales back to the MegAid Trust. Bookings are essential at the following participating eateries. Remember you will need to be at the entertainment center no later than 7.15pm.
Poplars Restaurant *Ph 0357 551655 – www.poplars.com.au
Bright Brewery * Ph 035755130 - www.brightbrewery.com.au
Suganya’s Thai Restaurant * Ph 0357 552 380

And then a step to the Riiii…..ghhhht

AUCTION
During Intermission we think you’ll ‘Shiver with antici…pation!’ as we have an Auction that will simply ‘astound’ you!

We hope you will enjoy the following Auction packages, remember there are some great Christmas gifts here and if you don’t want an entire package, why not bid with a friend or two, plan your biding strategy early as these items are HOT HOT HOT!
Everything has been generously donated so every cent from the auction will go to our little Meg!

1. Dinner Plain package (valued @ over $840)
2 nights accommodation at Dinner Plain’s Champagne Studio Apartment including a bottle of wine for 2 people
during Summer
1 Year subscription to Alpine Style Magazine
1 family pass to the unique Karrs Reef goldmine tour at Yackandandah
1 personal 90 minute Pilates session with Ski Pilates Fusion instructor Sally Rosenhain
1 Family (4people) entry pass to Dinner Plain’s Onsen Spa communal bathing facility

2. All Seasons Sports package (valued @ over $1650)
1 x 2 day lift pass for Mt Hotham for winter 2010
2 x 1 day lift passes for Falls Creek for winter 2010
1 x $400 voucher for Rays Ski Hire Myrtleford
8 rounds of golf at Bright Country Golf Club.
1 x tandem flight with Active Paragliding Bright
1 x $199 voucher for Hoys Ski Hire 2 x adult boots & skis or boots & board hire for 2010
A selection of Makalu designed winter & climbing wear:
Makalu – Red & grey breathable sports shirt size M Wilderness – Green Polar fleece jacket size L
Wilderness – Black polar fleece vest Size M Makalu – 2tone blue climbing shirt size S

3.Queenscliff Family Fun Holiday package (valued @ over $810)
2 nights accommodation for up to 4 people @ Beacon Resort, Queenscliff
2 x adult 30 min jet boat ride vouchers at Queenscliff or Geelong
1 x adult snorkel with the dolphins voucher with Queenscliff Dolphin Swims
1 x family travel voucher for the Belarine Railway steam train ride Queenscliff to Drysdale & Return

4. Business package (valued @ over $3000)
$2,000 of radio advertising with 3NE & Edge FM
1 x personal tax return voucher (up to $100) from Paul Vey Accounting
1 x 1hr consultation with Maverick Strategies for website analysis
4 x personal tax returns (up to $500) from Terry Philip Tax & Accounting services
1 x 10 Kg box of Cadbury mini chocolates

5. Big Bali Break (valued @ over $1590)
Pre travel deluxe facial beauty treatment at Bright Beauty Beautique
7 nights accommodation at ‘Villa Mango Sunset’, Pererenan Beach, Canggu, Bali
for 4 people from 17 – 24 January 2010 (possible date neg).
Includes : Cleaner / night security & gardener; Car & driver, available from 8.30am – 10pm each day inc airport
transfers; Seafood dinner & first drinks for 2 at Ombak Café, Canggu; Massage from Martini – they come to you;
Private swimming pool.

6. Kayaking Package (valued @ over $700)
Anaconda ‘Emotion Spit Fire’ Kayak
Seak Life Vest and Paddle.



RAFFLE
During Intermission will be your last chance to purchase tickets to our ‘hot patootie’ raffle, so if you haven’t bought
your ticket and you would like to – please chase our girls down before the end of Intermission. $5.00 per ticket.
Raffle will be drawn at the conclusion of the Evening.

1 Prize Bright Stars Indulgent Holiday vouchers – value $1500
2 Prize Mornington Peninsula Beach Escape vouchers – value $1400
3 Prize Supermarket Voucher – value $1000.00
4 Prize Queenscliff Adventure Vouchers – value $800
5 Prize Framed print - acclaimed photographer Adrian Lander – value $300

BEST DRESSED PRIZES We don’t ‘judge a book by it’s cover ’….but we will be awarding prizes to those best
dressed ‘creatures of the night ‘… at the conclusion of the evening….

LUCKY SEAT PRIZES - Will be announced before the show! We have some FAB….ulous give away’s for you!

BLIND WINE:
Donations have flooded in from some of our best local wineries for our Blind Wine sale, donated is some great and some not so great stock, take your chance at $15 per bottle to take home and enjoy. Good luck!

FOOD AND BEVERAGES PRICE LIST:
Still Water and Soft Drinks $2.00
Popcorn $3.00
Slab of Pizza from Café Chiaro $5.00
Wines/Beers Glass Bottle
Light Beer - $4.00
Full Strength Beer - $5.00
Brown Brothers NV Sparkling Wine $5.00 $25.00
Black Pearl 2008 Rosé (Meg’s wine) $5.00 $25.00
Mayford 2008 Chardonnay $6.00 $30.00
Mayford 2008 Tempranillo $6.00 $30.00
Gordon’s Gin & Tonic $7.00
Johnnie Walker & Coke $7.00

Tea, Coffee & Cadbury Chocolate – gold coin donation



To Donate to MegAid
Bendigo Bank
MegAid Trust
BSB 633000
Acct 137281846

Thanks to the Morris family

To Donate to MegAid
Bendigo Bank
MegAid Trust
BSB 633000
Acct 137281846

Thanks to the Mattinson Family

Another lovely surprise this morning a $200 donation from the Mattinson Family into the MegAid account - thanks so much for thinking of Meg & contributing to her future wellbeing. Please accept our heart felt thanks.

A Quick update on how the fundrasing is going to date - with donations direct into the account, donations through our various donation tins and people just handing us cash while selling raffle tix the MegAid Trust account has raised an astounding $8546.00

With our two biggest fundrasing events still yet come next week, we are well on our way towards reaching our goal of $50'000.00. We really cant thank everyone enough who has helped in anyway - big or small it all adds up and shows we really can make a big difference!

Well done everyone and Thanks!

Kate, Meg, Jason & Tom
xxx



To Donate to MegAid
Bendigo Bank
MegAid Trust
BSB 633000
Acct 137281846

FLOWER POWER FOR MEG!

Hi Every One!

We are hoping you can pick up a paint brush at my place and have some fun unleashing your creativity on canvas!

It’s all for a great cause with funds raised going directly to the MegAid Trust.

There are limited places available (my shed is only so big!) so please let me know if you can come by next Thursday 19 Nov. (We’re away 19 Nov – 3 Dec). Cheers Lou Pullar

Flower power for Meg

A fundraising event for MegAid Trust

www.megcasley.blogspot.com


Learn to paint daisy flowers on canvas with
local Springhurst artist Lisa Bishop and
take home your own masterpiece!

11am Friday 11th December 2009

$55 incl glass of bubbly, light lunch, canvas, materials & instruction.

1691 Great Alpine Road Smoko

Bookings essential: Lou Pullar 0409 331 938, loupullar@bigpond.com

Unleash your creativity


PS if you haven’t got your Time Warp tickets for next Thursday 19th, dont miss out on an awesome show - grab them now at the Bright Visitor’s Info

To Donate to MegAid
Bendigo Bank
MegAid Trust
BSB 633000
Acct 137281846

Off the cuff donations

Big huge thanks to Wayne Neilson from Open Family Australia for the donation of $500 also to Maria McGrath for the $100 donation into the megAid account. Thankyou so much for your support and care for our little Meg.
These were lovely surprises while checking MegAid account today.


To Donate to MegAid
Bendigo Bank
MegAid Trust
BSB 633000
Acct 137281846

9 DAYS TO GO - TILL TIME WARP

We still have tickets available for TIME WARP - a musical tribute to Rocky Horror on 19th November 2009.
Rush in Now! - Final call - you can purchase these HOT seats by calling
Alpine Visitor Information Centre in Bright (next to Riverdeck cafe)
ph: 1800 111 885
$35.00 plus $2.50 booking fee

Be quick these tix are selling fast!
Be there to Help Our Meg, all proceeds less production costs will be donated to the MegAid trust.

To Donate to MegAid
Bendigo Bank
MegAid Trust
BSB 633000
Acct 137281846

Supreme Raffle effort

A HUGE BIG THANKYOU to Kez, Lou, Jude, Vanessa, Tom & Marg & Peter Hibbins (Gma & Gpa) who yesterday in just 4 hours with Jason and myself sold over 400 raffle tickets. Making over $2000 for Meg.

Also a big thanks to Fletcher Rosser 6yo who made a lucky dip out of all his old toys, decorated the box with love hearts & signs for Meg and sold them to help benefit the MegAid trust - he made $15 towards the trust. - See Pic! Thanks Fletcher for such a lovely thing to do to help our little Meggie.

Just one More - we would like to thank all the Hot -Rodders who gave so generously in buying raffle tickets and just putting money in the tin. The tin itself raised $299 yesterday.

We will be back down at Pioneer Park today trying to sell the remainder of the Raffle tickets any assistance from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

Heaps of raffle books are comming back now - mostly fully sold - well done everyone and thanks so much for all your hard work in getting those tickets sold, we have had 48 people selling tickets on Rotary's behalf - our aim was to sell the required 2000 tickets which would have raised $10'000 for Meg - the way we are going it looks like we will sell 3000 tickets raising $15'000 - we could not have done it without everyones help, even those who only sold a few tickets it has all added up to a tremendous effort on everyones behalf.

Well done team - Together we really can make a difference!

Kate n Meg

xxxx

To Donate to MegAid
Bendigo Bank
MegAid Trust
BSB 633000
Acct 137281846

Meg's day a HUGE success!

Meg's / Oaks day at the Star Hotel yesterday was a HUGE success.

The ladies of Bright turned out in their finest racing attire yesterday to help raise funds for our little Meg. Hats & fascinators were the order of the day along with the fabulous non-alcoholic cocktails supplied by the Star Hotel Bright. The champagne flowed and laughter filled the newly renovated Star room where guests were treated to lovely fingerfood all day.

Prizes raised over $500 for the MegAid trust.

The winners were:

1st - Ya Graham winning the fabulous Bonsai tree donated by Richard Llanos from Harrietville.

2nd - Jane Foley winning the Wangaratta night for 2 including dinner at Cafe Martini, Accommodation at Warby Lodge & a show at the fabulous new performing arts centre.

3rd - Dot Farrington winning dinner & accommodation at the Stanley Hotel.

Len the resident punter put the bets on for the ladies for the day's punters club.

Fashions on the field was a highlight with most of the ladies partisipating in a strut around the Star room, there was hot competition but ultimately our winners were: Julie Buckley winning first prize and Robyn Mcauliffe comming runners up, see their pics above.

Fantastic door prizes were won & everyone went home with something.

A huge thanks goes to all the people & businesses that donated prizes for the event including: IGA Bright, Star Hotel, many of the local shops of Bright, Richard Llanos, Cafe Martini, Warby Lodge, Wangaratta performing arts center & the Stanley Hotel.

We live in such a wonderful community full of people who are happy to give so much to its residents.

The biggest thankyou of all goes to Gail Bennett for organising the entire event, druming up interest from the ladies and organising the prizes / raffles / door prizes etc.

Its locals like Gail who can make such a difference to the lives of those that need some help, no one asked Gail to do this for us - she just heard that we were in need and went ahead and did something to help. Thanks Gail really we can't thankyou enough.

all our love the Casley's xxxxxxxxxx

More updates to follow on the total money raised on the day

To Donate to MegAid
Bendigo Bank
MegAid Trust
BSB 633000
Acct 137281846

Meg's Day - this Thursday 5th Nov - Get your tickets now from the Star Hotel

$25 at ticket including chicken & champagne - Tickets can be bought at the Star Hotel Bright or contact Gail on 0458733377
All proceeds being donated to MegAid Trust

Come and have a glass of bubbles with Kate n Meg

To Donate to MegAid
Bendigo Bank
MegAid Trust
BSB 633000
Acct 137281846

Time Warp Interval - Auction Items

If your lucky enough to be comming to this fabulous evening - Here is the Auction Package list being held during interval.
Some fantastic packages up for grabs, full of great christmas gifts & family getaways.
If the packages seem to large why not bid with some friends and purchase them together.
Use your frequent flier points to get to Bali and stay at this amazing Villa!
Best of luck and happy bidding.
Remember all items have been donated so all proceeds from the Auction will go directly to the MegAid trust.

1.Dinner Plain Package Valued at $840 Including:
2 nights accommodation at Dinner Plain including a bottle of wine for 2 people during summer at Champagne studio apartment $356
1 Year subscription to Alpine Style Magazine $120
A family pass to the unique Karrs Reef goldmine tour at Yacandandah $85
1 personal 90 min try Pilates session with Ski Pilates fusion instructor Sally Rosenhain $120
1 family entry pass to Onsen Spa Dinner Plain for up to 4 people for entry to their communal bathing facility $160


2. Summer/Winter sport bonanza Valued at $1667 Including:
1 x 2 day lift pass for Mt Hotham for winter 2010 $194
2 x 1 day lift passes for Falls Creek for winter 2010 $194
1 x $400 voucher for Rays Ski Hire Myrtleford
8 rounds of golf at Bright Country Golf Club. $200
1 x tandem flight with Active Paragliding Bright $280
1 x $199 voucher for Hoys Ski Hire 2 x adult boots & skis or boots & board hire for 2010
A selection of Makalu designed winter & climbing wear $200 Inc:
Makalu – Red & grey breathable sports shirt size M
Wilderness – Black polar fleece vest Size M
Wilderness – Green Polar fleece jacket size L
Makalu – 2tone blue climbing shirt size S

3. Queenscliff Family holiday fun package Valued at $815 – Including:
2 nights accommodation for up to 4 people @ Beacon Resort Queenscliff $540
2 x adult 30 min jet boat rides vouchers at Queenscliff or Geelong $120
1 x adult snorkel with the dolphins voucher with Queenscliff Dolphin Swims $120
1 x family travel voucher for the Belarine Railway steam train ride Queenscliff to Drysdale & Return $35

4. Business package Valued at $3000 – Including:
$2000 worth of radio advertising with 3NE & Edge FM
1 x personal tax voucher to the value of $100
1 x 1hr consultation with Maverick Strategies for website analysis $200
4 x personal tax returns from Terry Philip Tax & Accounting services $500.
1 x 10 Kg box of Cadbury mini chocolates valued at $200

5. Big Bali Break Valued at $1590 Including:
Pre travel deluxe facial beauty treatment at Bright Beauty Beautique $90
7 nights accommodation for 4 people from 17th – 24th January 2010
(may be room for some date negotiation) at ‘VILLA MANGO SUNSET’, Perrerenan Beach, Canggu, Bali.
Cleaner/night security & gardener
Car & driver available from 8.30am – 10pm each day inc airport transfers.
Seafood dinner & first drinks for 2 at Ombak Café, Canggu
Massage from Martini – they come to you
Private swimming pool
Cook available

6. Kayak from Anaconda Valued at $700 Including:
Emotion Spit Fire Kayak
Seak Life Vest
Paddle


To Donate to MegAid
Bendigo Bank
MegAid Trust
BSB 633000
Acct 137281846

Donation tins

We cracked another one of Meg's donation tins over the weekend to discover $250 of coins.
Thanks to all that gave us their small & large change, it's amazing how it adds up.


To Donate to MegAid
Bendigo Bank
MegAid Trust
BSB 633000
Acct 137281846

To Donate to MegAid
Bendigo Bank
MegAid Trust
BSB 633000
Acct 137281846

Collecting - Euro's

Big thanks to Doris & Gunther Drisch - our neighbours who have given Meg 35.61 Eu to spend on our trip to Germany thats $58.26 Au.
Thanks guys that will come in very handy!


To Donate to MegAid
Bendigo Bank
MegAid Trust
BSB 633000
Acct 137281846