Pitch Up Wagga Wagga

Posted 6 Apr '23

Pitch Up Wagga Wagga

In a joint initiative with The Funding Network Australia and partnering with Macarthur Real Estate Agency and Hume Bank, we proudly hosted the inaugural Pitch Up Wagga Wagga on 30^th March 2023 – a unique live crowdfunding event which is a first for regional New South Wales.

Pitch Up Wagga Wagga provides a platform for three local grassroots organisations to share stories of impact, build support and raise vital funds to help take their growth to a whole new level and assist more people in our local community.

Bloss Riverina Pregnancy & Baby Loss Support, Carevan Wagga Inc and Pro Patria Centre were selected by an independent panel in December last 2022. The trio received professional pitch training in the lead-up to the event in preparation to address the audience.

Following each organisations’ presentation at the event, a dynamic time of pledging commenced. In less than one hour a total of over $71,000 was raised. What an impressive outcome for three local grassroots non-profits!

There was such positive energy in the room. It was fantastic to be able to support local organisations that do so much for people in need in our community.

We give special thanks to Pyrus Event Services, the Murrumidgee Turf Club, our MC Sally Bryant from ABC Riverina, Merrigan Photography for their support and contributions to make this event happen. Curious to know more? Check out this short hightlights clip.

Here’s what our three organisations had to say after the event.

Jack Hillis, President, Bloss Riverina

Thursday night was a night that I will never forget! What an opportunity for our small charity to share what we are doing to help those mums and dads who have lost babies. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to those who donated and pledged not only to our cause but to Carevan Wagga and Pro Patria Centre.

The energy in the room at the first ever Pitch Up Wagga left me with goosebumps and I’m continually reflecting on the moment and having to pinch myself that it happened. I'm sure the first ever Pitch Up Wagga will be remembered forever!

Everyone at Bloss will continue to work tirelessly to support bereaved parents within the Riverina and the funds raised on Thursday night will allow more and more regional bereaved families to get the support they so desperately need.

I’m so proud to be the President of this wonderful organisation and so proud to live in such a wonderful community.

Bronwyn Boyle, Board Member, Carevan

Thursday will be a night we at Carevan will remember for a long time to come. Thank you for this amazing opportunity to share with the community what our organisation is all about and raise an incredible $21,073 all in a few short hours. The generosity of the community will go a long way towards Carevan helping members of our community who are struggling to make ends meet.

Carevan provides a sense of community and belonging with every meal served. Knowing that the funds raised at Wagga Wagga’s first every Pitch Up event will ensure the good work of the tireless volunteers will continue to grow as the need increases in our community.

Demonstrating, yet again, what a generous and giving heart beats in the City of Wagga Wagga. We at Carevan look forward to keeping our supporters in touch with the amazing impact their investment has made in their community.

Thank you WDF Accounting & Advisory, Macarthur Real Estate and Hume Bank for their sponsorship for this event. Without your generosity and commitment, it wouldn’t have happened.

Jason Frost, Board Director, Pro Patria Centre

Thank you so much to all our supporters for their incredible generosity, the Pitch Up night has helped us raise more than we ever could have expected!

On behalf of all the volunteers at Pro Patria, Defence Shed Wagga membership, and the veterans and families we are establishing to support, thank you all so much helping us bring positive changes to the community.

Your support will directly help us to improve the lives of many though access to holistic new treatments and access to high quality nutrition and education.

Photo credit: Merrigan Photography