Who would have thought an idea on a bus 15 years ago would yield a vital organisation more than $1.4 million?
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Not the organisers behind the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) Black Coal Cup, Joe and Margaret Matthews, that’s for sure.
The duo is now focusing on their next event, which takes place on Tuesday, August 26, at the Muswellbrook Golf Club.
But, the hard-working pair had time to reflect on the Black Coal Cup’s origins.
“We were on a bus trip coming back from Cessnock’s WHRS day – and a few of us got talking,” Mr Matthews told the Chronicle.
“We agreed we could run a similar day at home.
“And, hopefully, raise more money for the WRHS.
“We decided because the service was community-owned – no-one has ever received a bill – we needed to make our event a day that everyone could get involved in, take part and not just be for a particular sector.
“It had to be a day that people would want to come back to each year.
“So, we purchased the biggest cup we could find.”
Mrs Matthews said community involvement was a necessity to make the Black Coal Cup a success.
“We wanted everyone to come down on the day – and just enjoy it,” she said.
“Particularly, it was important to involve our local schools and school children.
“We thought the best way to do this, and give something back to the kids, was to include the Newcastle Knights.
“They usually bring some players up on the day on the rescue helicopter.
“That way the children can meet the NRL stars and get
autographs, learn more about WRHS and what missions the service attends from the pilots and crewmen.
“A lot of the schools have been charity partners with us from day one.
“And, Osborn Bus Service has always transported the children from school and back at no cost, no matter where the school is – Sandy Hollow, Martindale, Scone, Aberdeen, Denman and Muswellbrook.”
Mr Matthews admitted he welcomed feedback on the Black Coal Cup.
“It is such a community event today, I have people contacting me offering advice on what works and what doesn’t,” he said.
“They even tell me ways to improve it, which is great.
“2014 celebrates our 15th year but it’s one of the major fundraising events for the WRHS, bringing in about $1.4 million so far.
“On most occasions, we give away more than $20,000 in trophies and prizes.
“Thanks to our very generous business sector, we haven’t had to buy any ourselves.
“Even all the fast food outlets supply lunches for more than 50 volunteers on the day.
“Other service clubs, such as Lioness, Lions and Apex, give us so much support too.
“The day would be nowhere near the financial success it is without their assistance.
“A lot of our community is doing it tough as the moment.
“However, let us look beyond all the doom and gloom – come on down to the golf club on August 26 and join us in having a great, fun day out.”