Police have a ball
Police Legacy WA, in conjunction with the Royal Flying Doctor Service bowled the town for six with the success of their triple bill fundraisers last weekend.
The three events – a golf match, cricket match and BHP Billiton sponsored ball at Gratwick Hall in Port Hedland – had generous community members coming out of the woodwork to support these fundamental community causes.
Officer in charge of Port Hedland Police, Sergeant Jason Gentili, helped bring the events of last week together, highlighting that this is the first time the RFDS has come on board the WA Police Legacy fundraiser.
“The police force and the RFDS are two key agencies which back each other up so I thought that’s what we’d bring together this year,” Sgt Gentili said.
Sgt Gentili added that in the lead up to the weekend, planning as far back as February took place to bring events together.
The golf day began early afternoon before the weekend and had a great turn out.
As a novice cricketer relegated to wicket keeper, Sgt Gentili admitted that his Port Hedland team lost to the South Hedland team which included Mayor Kelly Howlett.
However, all was in the spirit of goodhearted play.
“Throughout this event I’ve had all my guys working on getting it all together, from catering to coming and setting up tonight,” Sgt Gentili said.
Meanwhile, the ball was a black tie stunner, complete with live band, MC Nigel Slater from Spirit Radio, auctions and guests dressed in their best.
Not in the least was Sgt Gentili himself, holding court in his tailormade police-blue, checked suit and matching tie.
“Normally we would wear police mess dress and the boss this year decided it could be a little less formal,” he said.
“So I thought, right’o, I’ll show him up,” Sgt Gentili said, adding that the material hailed from England, he had the suit sewn in Bali and he found the tie in Hong Kong.
Sgt Gentili had many key groups to thank.
“BHP supported us very heavily, so did Fortescue Metal Group with the golf on Friday.”
He also thanked among many donors Peter and Robbie Carter from Pilbara Photography for their many auction items and Go Marine for getting the band up for the ball.
The three events’ substantial total will be announced shortly.
Tags: charity, fundraiser, pilbara echo, police ball, Port Hedland, wa police
