A raffle and auction to benefit the family of three children killed in a house fire at Singleton on June 26 is being organised and will be drawn and staged at LADBROKES GARDENS on August 30, night of the running of the Group 2 Black Top.
The home of Kara Atkins, niece of well-known Tamworth trainer Tony Atkins, caught fire last month and while she and her eight-year-old daughter Bayley survived the inferno, her 11-year-old son Blake and five-year-old twin daughters Scarlett and Matylda perished.
Hunter Valley trainer and owner Margaret Bright, who, with The Gardens Greyhound Club is organising fund-raising, said gift cards for shops such as Big W and Woolworth's, along with cheque donations, can be forwarded to Kara and Bayley Atkins Fund, P.O. Box 55, Abermain, 2326, NSW.
"Money can also be lodged into the Kara and Bayley Atkins Fund, Greater Bank, BSB 637000, account no. 723686547, either on-line or at any bank branch,'' Bright said.
Raffle prizes will include an electronic platform weighing scale, valued at $980, a single dog starting box ($920), a TGS ultrasonic Machine ($620), four weeks' greyhound puppy education course at Abernethy trial track ($400) and a Hidez compression suit ($269).
Racegoers at the August 30 LADBROKES GARDENS auction can bid for a $1380 electronic caged weighing scale, a drag lure ($495), Hidez compression suit ($269), straws from stud dogs Ando's Mac ($1320), Aston Dee Bee ($2200) or a service to Fast Times (natural $2200 or frozen $1650).
A complete service to boom sire Keybow, comprising a straw and surgical implant, valued at $2410, will also be available at the auction.
Prominent greyhound racing sponsor Ladbrokes has opened donations with a $2000 gift to the Atkins family.
Inquiries to Margaret Bright on 0420977861 or email thegardens@newcastlegreyhounds.com.au
