Cool conditions and a high tide did not dampen the enthusiasm of walkers. It was a wonderful tribute to Tim to see so many people honour his memory and support the Foundation at the Tim Gate Memorial Walk on Sunday, January 10th.
On this third anniversary we remembered, shared stories and laughed at many memories we still treasure. It was moving to see so many faces, some old, some new supporting Sammy, Sarah and Emma. A special thank you to friends who joined us all the way from Sweden, the Arctic Circle in fact!
How wonderful to look out to sea and watch the magnificent effort by Brad Cummins and Kes McCrindle as they paddled beside us to Moggs, in less than favourable conditions. It was greatly appreciated.
The evening proved to be another huge success, as well as a lot of fun, raising in excess of $4000, including the sale of further commemorative photos.
A highlight was Lucy O’Neill and Emma Gates singing ‘You’re the voice’!! Will you ever forget it – However they were upstaged by ‘the voice’ Nina Abrahams accompanied by Sebastian ‘Woody’ Woodard. Luke Reeves on guitar was an absolute standout.
The night simply could not happen without the involvement and support of so many people who ensure everything comes together. A big thank you to all involved.
Finally, the Tim Gates Foundation is a not for profit trust which continues to invest the funds and provide the income arising for the benefit of Fairhaven SLSC. To date $70,000.00 has been raised for the Foundation and this continues to grow.
As a result of the income raised over the first year of the establishment of the trust, Howard Hughes produced a rescue board impressed with Tim’s name. With all the Gates girls back in Australia this summer it was finally presented to the Club and placed on the ATV by Luci Ross, Sammy, Sarah and Emma Gates. We hope it will be a valuable asset for future rescues.
Our vision is to run an event in 2012 in order to generate further funds. A date has been secured so keep Sunday, January 9th free for the inaugural Tim Gates Classic Beach Run.
If you would like to donate to the Tim Gates Foundation cheques can be sent c/-Fairhaven SLSC, P.O. Box 221, Aireys Inlet 3231 or online Bendigo Bank, the Tim Gates foundation, BSB 633108 A/C 137997128.
Jane Gates
