The bartenders were at the ready and the band was set to play.

Stalls had been set up and the crowd was beginning to mingle through. The aroma of sausages drew the sound of the gold coin being dropped into the tin.

Back for it’s third year, Zeke’s Fundraiser was launched at the Terminus Hotel at 5pm.

A warm welcome and thank you to the following businesses participating in 2015:

Dymocks Bookstore Bendigo owned by Harry & Jen Hart – Steve and Eileen

Avon – Jo C Rayes

ENYO – Kanon Cunningham

Flaschengeist – Rebecca Tobin

Inspiration at Home – Amanda MacDonald

Lorraine Lea Linen – Kylie Geddes

Nadia Bish Massage – Nadia Bish

Nurtimetics – Vicki Boram

Park lane Jewellery – Donna Cameron

Scentsy – Christine Dolby-Freestone

Tupperware – Stacey Reeves

Zeke’s Fundraiser also welcomed ANNE CRAWFORD, Author of RALF, published by Allen & Unwin for personalized book signings from 6pm til late.

Travelling all the way from the big smoke of Werribee, Billy and Rebecca Bridge (plus 3 little bridges), wowed the crowd at 7:30 through til close when they kicked off their first set. Their harmonious yet strong vocals echoed throughout the building, getting the kids up on the dancefloor immediately. Their huge variety of genres provided enjoyable entertainment for all ages and it was fantastic to see them back for a second year.

The pub became dead silent at 8:30 as people where shown the incredible journey that Zeke has gone through. From a liver transplant til today, Zeke has changed to a happier and healthier child, and his family no longer fear about what Zeke is consuming and how much protein it contains. Its a fear that ruled their lives for just over 3 years. Now 15mths post transplant, Zeke has enjoyed his first real Birthday (with a protein-laden icecream cake), his first real Christmas lunch (full of ham and pudding) and now his first real Easter (full of chocolate!) out of hospital, all milestones celebrated in his hometown Wycheproof!

The Auction went off without a hitch, Ian “mudgey” Mudge became the man of the important hour as he injected his talent and humor into the crowd, getting them to reach deep even after a poor farming year for many. The true community spirit shone through by 10.30pm once the auction had concluded and thousands of dollars were pledged to be donated to the fundraiser for the Good Friday Appeal .

THE AUCTION:

#1 SOLD $120 – Signed RALF book & Fundraiser Shirt sponsored by Zeke’s Fundraiser
#2 SOLD $400 – Anzac Sand Medalion (Gallipoli) sponsored by Authentic Autographs (R:375)
#3 SOLD $300 – Samsung Tablet sponsored by Yvette Polley, Telstra
#4 SOLD $450 – HRT Grid Walk for 2 People sponsored by Morris Finance
#5 SOLD $60 – Sunraysia Natural Hampers sponsored by Sunraysia Natural Beverage Company
#6 PASSED IN – Global Balloon Voucher 2 people w/breakfast Yarra Valley sponsored by Global Ballooning (R:670)
#7 SOLD $400 – Like Father Like Son Essendon Hand Signed sponsored by Authentic Autographs (R:350)
#8 SOLD $85 – Lush Us Candles Gift Pack sponsored by Lush ‘us Candles $85
#9 SOLD $110 – Brown Brothers – 6 bottles Wine sponsored by Brown Brothers
#10 SOLD $600 – Geelong Football & Accomodation sponsored by Panus Oceania & Morris Finance
#11 SOLD $80 – EGO Gift Pack sponsored by EGO Pharmaceuticals
#12 SOLD $150 – Murray River Cruise for a Family 1hr sponsored by Murray River PaddleSteamers
#13 PASSED IN – Scott Pendlebury Anzac Day Match Boot Hand Signed sponsored by Authentic Autographs (R:650)
#14 SOLD $50 – Sunraysia Natural Hampers sponsored by Sunraysia Natural Beverage Company
#15 PASSED IN – Global Balloon Voucher 2 people w/breakfast Yarra Valley sponsored by Global Ballooning (R:670)
#16 SOLD $400 – Essendon vs Collingwood 10 Reserve Seats sponsored by Yvette Polley, Telstra & Collingwood FC.
#17 SOLD $1200 – Holiday to Samoa – 2 People for 7 Nights* sponsored by Authentic Autographs
#18 SOLD $200 – HRT Hot Lap for 1 Person sponsored by Morris Finance
#19 SOLD $200 – Load of Wood (6×4) sponsored by H&G Pty Ltd
#20 SOLD $110 – Dilmah Tea Hamper sponsored by Dilmah
#21 SOLD $100 – 4 Regular passes to Flemington sponsored by VCR
#22 SOLD $400 – Black Cavier National Treasure Hand Signed by Nolen & Moody sponsored by Authentic Autographs (R:300)
#23 SOLD $50 – Sunraysia Natural Hamper sponsored by Sunraysia Natural Beverage Company
#24 SOLD $200 – ‘Days Past’ by Chantel Renae Photography sponsored by Chantel Renae Photography
#25 SOLD $80 – Signed Melbourne Star Cricket Bat sponsored by Melbourne Stars
#26 SOLD $200 –  Zeke Fundraiser Football Jumper sponsored by Industry Media
#27 SOLD $300 – HTC Desire Smartphone sponsored by Yvette Polley, Telstra.
#28 PASSED IN – Ponting Test Years Hand Signed sponsored by Authentic Autographs (R:300)
#29 SOLD $100 – Sukin Gift Pack sponsored by Sukin
#30 SOLD $580 – HRT Pit Lane for 10 people sponsored by Morris Finance

#31 SOLD $320 – Sony Package sponsored by Telstra Business Centre Mildura

#32 SOLD $100 – Darriwill Hamper

#33 SOLD $210 – Carlton Dry Esky & Slab

#34 SOLD $180 – Meal Voucher for 6 at the Terminus Hotel

TOTAL OF $7835.00

The fantastic selection of prizes in the raffles had tickets flying out the door – thank you to “Mrs H” for her enthusiasm and effort in selling tickets and getting the crowd involved! The raffle and BBQ raised over $800. The Terminus Hotel have donated a percentage of sales. Personal donations were also presented to Zeke’s Fundraiser and from that they are pleased to say that all efforts have raised over $9000.

From the ZEKE FUNDRAISER FACEBOOK PAGE….

“Wow what an awesome night! It was incredible to see a pub of 150+ people dead quiet whilst Zeke’s Movie played. Not many dry eyes in the building – understanding Zeke’s journey is an emotional one and the message from the team at Zekes Fundraiser is to continue funding research and care for the sick children at the RCH!
Thank you to everyone who came and supported the event – you will be contacted personally over the next few weeks as the 2015 event get wrapped up. Without the support of helpers and sponsors this event could not proceed so a huge Thankyou to you!”

Comments from Supporters, Guests and of course the Team….

• "Good company, music, food, lots of kids running round everywhere – an all-round great night at Zeke's Fundraiser at the Terminus Hotel in Wycheproof at the weekend. On ya Laura and Corey! Congrats to Doug for being the winning bidder for the paw-printed and signed "Ralf" at auction, and thanks, Steve and Eileen from Dymocks Bendigo for bringing books", Anne Crawford, Author.

• "Some great highlights from last night! Congratulations to all involved!", Jozef Horvat, National Sales Manager at Panus Oceania

• "Industry Media - proudly supporting The Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal and Zeke's Fundraiser again in 2015! #givethattheymaygrow #donatenow #1300APPEAL", Industry Media - Promotional and Media supporter of ZF

• "Zeke's Fundraiser 2015.  An incredible night for an exceptional cause. #goodfridayappeal #communityspirit #zekesfundraiser", Yvette Polley, Telstra.

• "Rocking #zekes's (@zfteam) Guernsey for a little bit tonight with @ydp_2015. Zeke had a major liver transplant last year at the young age of 3, and thanks to the royal children's. young Zeke is now fighting fit. Zeke's fundraiser raised nearly $10K for the @goodfridayappeal this year! Boom!", Samarth Noyce.

• "Cheers Good Friday Appeal #RCH #zekesfundraiser", Amanda Driscoll.

“WELL, what an amazing weekend, when you organize and event and are unsure of who is actually coming, it scares the hell outta you. I can not thank the strong team we had this year, Shane & Sandra Cox, Shan Reed, Jozef Horvat, Yvette Polley, Tamkia & Sam Harrison, Billy & Rebecca Bridge, Harry & Garry, Belinda Harrison and anyone else I haven’t mentioned. Was amazing to see the locals that did support and especially the locals that returned back to Wycheproof Victoria for the weekend. Thank you and thank you again. And I can’t forget the lady behind it all Laura Bish! Top work all round. #thankyou bring on #2016″

Corey Harrison, Director.

“So many amazing people to thank. Shane & Sandra Cox, Shan Reed, Jozef Horvat, Yvette Polley, Tamkia & Sam Harrison, Billy & Rebecca Bridge, Harry & Garry, Anne Crawford, Rikki Suminga, Mark Hall, our Auctioneer Ian Mudge, and all our other sponsors, supporters and everyone who travelled a great distance to be here THANKYOU.
Also a big thank you to Corey Harrison for great MC work last night, selling raffle tickets and being the amazing dad he is! Thank you to Belinda Harrison for being a great Granny, looking after our little men whilst we were busy with everything. All the work that goes on behind the scenes is amazing – even for little events like this one! THANKYOU!!!!! xx”

Laura Bish, Director.

What an absolute honor for our little star Zeke Harrison to be apart of an amazing book written by Author Anne Crawford.

RALF – How a Giant Schnauzer brought hope, happiness and healing to sick children.

Ralf’s family are donating their share of the royalties to The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne and Lort Smith Animal Hospital.

 Available in all your major book stores.

If you would like to purchase a copy through Zeke’s Fundraiser, 100% of money raised goes to the Good Friday Appeal. Books through Zeke’s Fundraiser are $30

“Ralf the Giant Schnauzer was once a small puppy with a big barking problem. He was facing an uncertain future until Caroline Lovick and her loving family came along. They rescued Ralf from Tasmania and welcomed him into their family home in Melbourne.

Ralf was the recipient of daily cuddles from Caroline’s four children who would spend hours playing with him. He became an important part of their daily walk to school and a celebrity at the school gates where children would stop and pat the friendly visitor.

One day Caroline and her family took Ralf to compete at the Royal Melbourne Show. It was here that his potential as a therapy dog was first spotted.

Shortly afterwards Ralf began working at Trinity Manor nursing home followed by The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne where he became an instant hit with children and their families. Soon Ralf was a permanent fixture, earning fans far and wide.

Ralf’s story is by turns heart-warming and inspiring, and is full of the amusing antics of this endearing animal. It is a true tale of how the love of a human owner can change a dog’s life and how the love of a dog can bring hope to those who need it most.”

The team at Zeke’s Fundraiser had the opportunity on Tuesday morning to catch up with Author Anne Crawford, Caroline Lovick, owner and caretaker of Ralf – The Giant Schnauzer.

It was an amazing feeling to be apart of the Book Launch, RALF.

Keep an eye out in the future, maybe RALF may make an appearance in Wycheproof.

Welcoming two of the greatest singers and dear friends to the Zeke’s Fundraiser, Rebecca Lee Bridge and Billy Bridge will be performing at the Terminus Hotel in Wycheproof on the 28th of March 2015 starting around 8pm

This duo played at the 2014 event down at the Wycheproof Race Course and with the positive feedback we received, they have been asked to return. It will be a fantastic night, great food, great music, a fantastic Auction once again and plenty of fun.

Come and join these two as they play it out at the Terminus Hotel.

To see more of Billy and/or Rececca Lee Bridge, click here:  Billy Bridge Music or Rebecca Lee Nye

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Almost 11months ago Zeke was in the hands of the skilful Dr Bob Jones. In just over 12hrs, he became the recipient of a liver from a donor of similar age. He became Australia’s first MSUD patient to have this life changing surgery. In late December, Zeke was cured of Maple Syrup Urine Disease.
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Zeke’s bubbly personality is more pronounced than ever. For 3 years Zeke suffered through numerous hospital admissions, battling his condition as best as he could. He was well aware that he could not eat everything, and that he had to drink his formula to keep his protein levels down. Despite careful monitoring Zeke still needed the care of the Royal Childrens Hospital Melbourne. The wonderful Dr Joy and her medical team were instrumental in returning Zeke back to good health so he could go home. As hospital admissions became more frequent with several severe grand mal sezuires, which he had not had since he was only 7 days of age, it was clear Zeke’s condition was becoming unmanageable. Discussions turned to a possible cure; a liver transplant.
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In May 2013 Zeke was placed on the transplant list.
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Several months went by with no match. Testing began for a live transplant. Zeke’s mother Jazmin was found not to be a suitable donor due to her blood group not matching her sons’. Zeke’s father Corey however did match and date in the first week of January 2014 was booked to start the next step. However, a week later the phone call came through that a liver had been found.
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Post-transplant, Zeke’s development has been phenomenal. He now regularly attends pre-kinder and after school care, independently interacting in a class room environment which was virtually impossible prior to his transplant. His speech, though tainted from the seizures, has improved greatly through therapy and he speaks with more confidence, his vocabulary rapidly expanding. His food palate has also expanded, though he must avoid grapefruit as it interferes with the Tacro. Despite his restricted diet as a baby, he has no known food allergies which is a relief. He loves protein rich chicken and ham. And chocolate! No chocolate bar is safe when Zeke is in the house! Pop Harry showed him how to crack a pistachio nut open and they are devoured like they are going out of fashion.
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Its been a busy time adjusting to Zeke’s new medication regime, which is monitored and adjusted every fortnight in need be at the Royal Children’s Hospital. At 6 months post op, he was removed from all medication bar a few. He now just relies on his Tacro (anti-rejection) and a magnesium supplement several times a day to keep his liver functioning healthily. He continues to take his Kepra medication to help prevent any further seizures.
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Zeke also welcomed a new brother to the family in September, Ryder Harrison. Zeke shows such compassion and care helping look after Ryder and is a fantastic big brother, along with his elder big brother Jacob.
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Zeke’s journey has taken an incredible turn for the better this year. He celebrates his first MSUD-free birthday next month, and his Christmas lunch will be filled with his favourites – ham and custard!

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To continue our heartfelt thanks, Zeke’s Fundraiser will be back in 2015 in Wycheproof, fundraising through live music and auction. More details to come next month!

Another years fundraising nearly done. The team at Zeke’s Fundraiser can not thank everyone enough for there continued support so far. There has been some ups and downs this year, behind the scenes, on social media and also out in public. With projects such as this one you receive both positive and negative comments. Some you can take on board and improve on for future events and some you just have to cop on the chin.
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Overall the Team at Zeke’s Fundraiser have put 2014 down as another successful year. We are looking forward to the new adventures just around the corner which everyone will see in the very near future. Zeke’s Fundraiser will be taking the next step and upping the tempo to bigger and better things. More fundraising, larger events, great music, great entertainment, fantastic auction items, crazy raffles and most of all, raising the much needed money for the best hospital in the world for our beautiful little children.
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2014 in Wycheproof seen Tony Genovese and his “Cool 4 Kids” drive all the way from Adelaide just to be with us for the day. The kids thoroughly enjoyed his attendance. Captain Koala attended in the fire trucks and handed out lollies and chocolates. Bouncing castles and slides from Mallee Party Castles provided plenty of fun and bounce for the children. Kendall Phyland and Sherri Parry started the entertainment off on stage while the crowd enjoyed a BBQ cooked by the CFA and SES members while Tracy & Glenn Pardella from the Mount Wycheproof Cafe did a little of there own cooking in the racecourse kitchen. Tim Pattinson from Elders Wycheproof attended the day to run our auction, and did so in style raising a great amount for the hospital. As the day progressed the main acts started on the stage, Billy Bridge and Rebecca Lee Bridge blew the crowd away with there amazing voice and talent, i’m sure Wycheproof will see them again soon. Later on in the evening ‘Brucey’s Datsun’ jumped on stage and sang the night away. With guess appearances from Tom Hutch and Corey Harrison on the drums it was a night to remember.
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Now events like these cannot just appear and happen, they need backing, they need support and encouragement. One business that jumped on board for 2014 is “Shoosh Management”. Shannon Reed a local Wycheproof boy now in Melbourne working with an advertising company. Shoosh Management’s slogan says it all. “if you can visualize it, we can create it”. SHOOSH Management is a creative agency based in Melbourne Australia. We are strategists, designers, photographers and creative people who share a passion for creating great ideas and translating them into engaging, intelligent and innovative concepts.
We are a multi platform agency creating fresh design ideas, photography, graphic design, print management, interior styling, design consultancy, talent management, and just about anything else that takes an idea from concept to completion.
A creative idea has it’s own special mojo. We help people to connect with it, in the most interesting, effective ways imaginable. more info at www.shoosh.net.au
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A special mention to a sales representative from Geelong who works in Melbourne for a company called Maxitrans and Lusty EMS. For two years now Jozeph Horvat has put his hand up and come to both events in 2013 and 2014 and brought along a massive auction item that has raised over 2k just on its own. Zeke’s Fundraising Team thanks the directors and business people of Maxitrans and Lusty EMS. More info on this company can be found at Lusty EMS
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For a full list of Sponsors, business’s and companies that came on board for 2014 please go to our SPONSORS link.
Thanks again everyone for your continued support and help thus for in the Zeke’s Fundraiser journey.

xx oo xx

Good evening from team Zeke, just a quick update about new sponsors. More photography sponsors, some great memorabilia, cooking books, a taste of the worlds hottest burgers from the Swan Hill Fish and Pizza shop and the Chalk Car, donated from Zeke’s cousin, she has given up her car for the day for all adults and kids to draw ( with chalk ) all over it and leave messages from the day.

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Only just over a day to go, so hope to see you all there, Saturday @ 12 pm until 1 am. Auctions will start around 6-7pm depending on the crowds. Plenty of kids activities, music and entertainment for everyone. Hope to see you all there. A $10 entry fee is all it costs to get through the gate for an adult, but under 18’s are free.
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Enjoy!
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Team Zeke

The artists behind the 2011 Good Friday Appeal theme song, “In the Face of a Child”, Rebecca Lee Nye and Billy Bridge will perform at the Wycheproof fundraiser on Sunday, April 5, to raise funds for the worthy appeal.
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Little Zeke Harrison who was lucky enough to receive a liver transplant in December to cure his Maple Syrup Urine Disease is the inspiration for the fundraising event, now in its second year.
Zeke’s dad Corey and partner Laura have been busy preparing for the event which this year takes on the theme of a family fun day.
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Since his transplant, Zeke has been progressing well at home with his mum, Jazmin Hall, in Melbourne. He has just had his t-tube removed out of his tummy, another positive sign in the direction of full recovery. Zeke’s Maple Syrup Urine Disease meant he was restricted to a very low protein diet, an overload of protein presented a life-threatening situation for Zeke pre-transplant. Now with his new liver, three-year-old Zeke is able to enjoy a range of meals he could once only watch others eat and dream about. He was recently treated to a “big breaky” with sausages, baked beans and eggs!
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While the future is looking much brighter for Zeke with his new liver, the road to recovery is still a long and complicate done. Over the last two weeks, Zeke has had high tacro levels (which relates to his anti-rejection medication), but the expert team at the Royal Children’s Hospital has been monitoring Zeke very closely with regular visits and check-ups.
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Due to Zeke’s need to be close to the amazing Royal Children’s Hospital, he may not be able to make it to his fundraiser next Sunday, but that hasn’t slowed the keen organisers in their aim to raise an impressive total for the Hospital.
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Corey said he will forever be in debt for the incredible care given by the huge range of staff, doctors and specialists at the Royal Children’s Hospital for giving his son back his life.
From just days old, Zeke has been a regular visitor to the hospital and has utilised a huge range of departments, from dieticians to the liver transplant team and everyone in between!
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It is the care and treatment received by Zeke and his family through the hospital which inspired the inaugural Zeke’s Fundraiser last year, where Wycheproof raised over $20,000 for the appeal.
This year, Corey hopes to again raise a great total to go straight towards the amazing work carried out at the hospital, something just about every rural person can relate to.
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To be held at the Wycheproof racecourse, the day will include kids entertainers, jumping castles, Easter egg hunt, a sausage sizzle, market stalls and a visit from CFA mascot Captain Koala aboard the local tanker.
Rebecca Lee Nye and Billy Bridge will headline the live music line-up and an auction will take place from 7 p.m. An impressive line up of items is up for grabs thanks to businesses locally and afar jumping on board to support the great cause.
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For more information on the day, the auction items, or how to donate, look up Zeke’s Fundraiser on Facebook or visit www.zekesfundraiser.org.
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SOURCE: Buloke Times 28/03/14. Rose Harris.

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What you can expect to entertain the kids for the afternoon….
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[heading type=”h4″ ]COOL 4 KIDS[/heading]

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COOL 4 KIDS is a dynamic children’s entertainment service based in South Australia. Music Shows include dancing, singing, puppetry, bubble making, musical instrument play, props, costumes and having FUN! Best suited to children 1 to 10 years old and their families.

Cool 4 Kids have been performing their Shows around Australia for more than 7 years.

COOL 4 KIDS has performed thousands of shows including Disco Parties, Christmas Celebrations, Play Groups, Child Care Centres, Kindergartens, Primary Schools, School Holiday Programs, After School Hours Care Programs, Libraries, Museums, Community Centres, Shopping Centres, Show Days, Festivals and Events……

COOL 4 KIDS includes many adorable costume characters including COOL BEAR, DIGGER DOG, RICKY RABBIT, BELLA BUTTERFLY, MISS FAIRY, PERCY PARROT, FLOPSY BUNNY, SPACEMAN, DANNY DOLPHIN…

COOL 4 KIDS offers face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon sculpting, puppet shows, magic shows and clowning too! Workshops in art and craft, musical instrument making, cooking and song writing are available.
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[heading type=”h4″ ]Blow Up Slide[/heading]
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[heading type=”h4″ ]Easter Egg Hunt[/heading]
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[heading type=”h4″ ]Face Painting[/heading]
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[heading type=”h4″ ]Animal Farm[/heading]
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[heading type=”h4″ ]Performing Live at Zeke’s Fundraiser![/heading]
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[heading type=”h4″ ]Mat Dynon [/heading]
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Mat Dynon featuring Adam Dynon on djembes playing originals and covers. Follow on Facebook
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[heading type=”h4″ ]Sherri Parry[/heading]
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Bendigo born and bred, her passion for music sparked at only 10 years of age when she began singing and playing guitar, and started to write her own music at 12. Now at the age of 16 her passion for song and melody continues to burn like a never ending fire. Her writing style is a blend of pop, soul and alternative with the only aim of stirring about the emotions of those who listen to it and make them feel something.
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Follow Sherri on Facebook
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[heading type=”h4″ ]Kendall Phyland[/heading]
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A dedicated young girl who has found her way in music since 2008, starting at the age of 10 she has grown into a very confident singer/songwriter who can play to any crowd. Coming from the little town of Wycheproof, Kendall will be one to impress the crowd.
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Follow Kendall on Youtube
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Follow Kendall on Twitter
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