Raising Money and Awareness for Brain Cancer
After Jack was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), one of the most aggressive and deadly brain cancers and he was given just 12 months to live, it became clear that the surgery, radiation, and toxic chemicals he was forced to endure (to shrink the tumour, redress pain/swelling, assist with sleep, etc.) had scrambled his brain and finishing his finance/law degrees was no longer an option, I looked for something that might give him a career path if he survived.
I have been involved in the Tasmanian whisky industry since 2012 and several friends and I decided to establish a whisky company and I asked Jack to become a shareholder, which he gladly agreed. I figured, naively as it turned out, if I could save his life and he was not too physically and mentally compromised by the antediluvian treatments he was forced to endure, we could give him a job in the company (“Elmside”). But Jack died and I sold our shares, although the new owner agreed that the first barrel (distilled in May 2017 [Barrel #1], 100 litres) will be donated to raising money for brain cancer in Jack’s name. That whisky, after six years now, has matured into a delicious whisky,
The whisky was tasted and endorsed by the three founders of the Australian whisky industry: Bill Lark (the Godfather of Australian whisky), Casey Overeem (an icon in the whisky industry [Overeem Whisky]) and Patrick Maguire (one of the Founders of Sullivan’s Cove whisky which won the award for the best whisky in the world several years ago). All agreed to cut it at 46%, as that was the sweet spot and after tasting a range from 43% to 50%
“Beautifully balanced, great nose; exciting on the palate; flavours lasting longer”.
We have since produced 205 bottles of whisky which we will auction to raise money for brain cancer.
I told Jack I would save his life and I didn’t but I also said I would write a book and use that money to fund research to find a cure for brain cancer.
But I reckon Jack would have gotten more of a thrill out of the whisky and particularly as it came from the company (Elmside) that he and I started. He never lived to see it bottled and he never tasted it.
All funds raised will go to Brainstorm SLHD. A collaboration between leading Sydney Hospital Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) and the University of Sydney. It is dedicated to brain tumour research through the RPA Department of Neuropathology and the Molecular Neuropathology Research Program, based at the Brain and Mind Research Institute (BMRI), University of Sydney.
Lloyds Charity Benefit Auctions
LLOYDS CHARITY BENEFIT
100% Charity and 0% Fees
Lloyds Auctions has always been deeply embedded in the community, playing an integral role in supporting local causes and fostering a spirit of togetherness. Our commitment goes beyond business as we actively participate in and sponsor community events, charitable initiatives, and local programs that aim to uplift and empower individuals and groups.
By partnering with various organisations and charities, we ensure that our efforts have a meaningful and lasting impact. Whether it’s through our charity benefit auctions, community fundraisers, or local sponsorships, Lloyds Auctions is dedicated to making a positive difference and building a stronger, more connected community for everyone.
Previous items that have been auctioned off and all proceeds have been donated to various charities.
How to get involved, it’s easy! Just submit your details below.
Lloyds Supporting Community
CHARITIES WE HAVE WORKED WITH
Variety – The Children Charity supports thousands of kids who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs. Variety’s mission is to empower Aussie kids who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs, to live, laugh and learn.
Motor Racing Ministries – The role and function of the Motor Racing Ministries is to support the motor sport chaplains as they go unrecognised for much of the time as they help guide drivers, teams, officials, volunteers, the public, and families through many critical times when there are severe accidents or injury as a result of competition.
The Salvation Army – Disaster Appeal supports communities affected by the devastating bush fires in New South Wales and Queensland. Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) teams are responding to devastating bush fires as an unprecedented number of emergency-level fires cause tragic loss of life and property in Australia.
Gold Coast Titans Community Foundation – provides for the funding needs of specific club projects over and above what normal operating revenue would fund. The charter of the Foundation is to market and raise funds for approved football club projects.
And many more!
