Sponsorship of more than 80 cars… The support of at least 100 hotels… In excess of $550,000 raised…
This Sunday, 20 May 2018 more than 100 cars are expected to gather at Foreshore Park, Newcastle before heading off for the AHA Variety NSW Bash.
Since 2013, the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) Newcastle Hunter Sub-Branch has been the major sponsor of Variety’s NSW Bash, an iconic 2,000-kilometre, round-trip adventure from Newcastle, made in cars more than 30 years old.
"AHA members have supported the Variety Bash event almost since its inception..."
“AHA members have supported the Variety Bash event almost since its inception, with member hotels sponsoring, supporting and participating in the Bash and other Variety events,” AHA Newcastle Hunter spokesperson Mick Starkey said.
“Each year, AHA Newcastle Hunter Sub-Branch and its members participate in the event, and through raffles and other initiatives, raise money for Variety. There’s also stops at some pubs along the way.”
Participants must raise a minimum of $4,000 per car to enter the event, while it is also possible to make donations and sponsor other drivers.
Some of the hoteliers taking part in this year’s Bash include Brett McGovern – Snake Gully Hotel, Mick Potts – Colliery Hotel, Dean Trengove – Mulga Hill Tavern, Barry Bradley – (former) Burwood Hotel, Mick Starkey - The Stag and Hunter Hotel, and Travis Hargreaves (Royal Crown Hotel).
“This is my first time in the event and our team has five cars entered. Through fundraisers and sponsorship our team has already raised more than $100,000 for the organisation,” Mr Hargreaves said.
AHA Newcastle Hunter Sub-Branch has provided $250,000 in sponsorship for the NSW Variety Bash, while AHA member entries and sponsorship have contributed a further $300,000 to the cause since 2013.
Fundraising events this year have included the recent AHA Race day held at Newcastle Racecourse, which raised more than $63,000 for the event, while a sportsmen's lunch at the Royal Crown Hotel, Dudley also raised $43,000 for cause.
Teams will head out from Foreshore Park at 8am on Sunday, 20 May and head to Glen Innes, Narrabri, Forbes, Griffith, Orange and Mudgee, making stops along the way to visit and donate to sick and disadvantaged children.