Boorowa locals are getting ready for a jam-packed weekend of community fun, competition, and heartfelt purpose, as a series of charity events kicks off Friday, June 27 with a Darts competition kicking off at 7:30 followed by Barefoot bowls the following day, Saturday the 28th continuing with live music and karaoke with Jane Dee at the Recreation Club starting from 7 pm. Finishing with a 2 man Ambrose gold tournament on Sunday.
Organised by resident Sammi Jansen, the weekend aims to raise both funds and awareness for Scleroderma Australia, a volunteer-run organisation supporting people affected by the rare autoimmune disease.
The charity weekend has become an annual tradition in Boorowa, held in memory of Sammi’s mother, who passed away four years ago from scleroderma.
“I run these fundraisers in memory of my mum,” Sammi explained. “Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that many people haven’t even heard of. Scleroderma Australia is run entirely by volunteers, so every single dollar we raise goes directly to research and supporting families.”
Over the past four years, Sammi’s fundraisers have raised significant amounts for the cause, with funds helping to provide specialised care for those living with the disease. But for Sammi, it’s just as important that the events reflect the interests and spirit of the local community.
“I always try to organise events that people in Boorowa want to go to,” she said. “This town is big on golf, darts, and bowls, so I plan things that get people involved and having fun while also doing something meaningful.”
The weekend kicks off on Friday, June 27 at 7 pm with a charity darts tournament at the Boorowa Golf and Recreation Club. Entry is just $10, and players of all skill levels are encouraged to join in. “It’s always a lot of fun,” said Sammi. “It’s just a great night at the pub with a little friendly competition.”
On Saturday, June 28, the fun continues with barefoot bowls starting at 12:30 pm at the Recreation Club. For $30 per player, participants enjoy an afternoon on the greens with lunch included. That same evening, the Recreation Club will come alive with music and entertainment during a karaoke and live music night featuring local talent Jane Dee. The event starts at 7 pm, and for just $15 per person, dinner is included.
“It’s a great night for people to let their hair down,” Sammi said. “Once a few people get the courage or a drink or two the karaoke kicks off. It’s all ages and everyone’s welcome. The weekend wraps up on Sunday, June 29 with the much-anticipated Kingsley Golf Tournament, named in honour of Sammi’s late mother. The two-person Ambrose event costs $50 per player and includes lunch.
“We’ve had players come from as far as Canberra to be part of it,” she said. “It’s one of the bigger events of the weekend and a great way to finish things off.”
To cap off the weekend, Boorowa’s town clock will be lit in yellow on Sunday night as part of the national Shine Like a Sunflower campaign a symbolic gesture held on National Scleroderma Day to honour those affected by the disease.
“It’s a jam-packed weekend,” Sammi said. “But it’s also about raising awareness. So many people still don’t know what scleroderma is. These events not only help raise funds, but they start conversations and bring people together.”