Mates on a mission gala

Mates on a Mission, the charity co-founded by Yarra River Business Association (YRBA) president John Ahern, held its gala fundraiser last month at River’s Edge Events at North Wharf.

The event was a huge success, with the relatively new Melbourne arm of the charity attracting 220 guests and raising $55,000 for the Monash Medical Centre – Medical Therapy Unit.

As reported in last month’s Southbank Local News, Mates on a Mission set up a Melbourne arm to help long-time Publican Group contractor Spiro Bombos’s son Jared.

Jared suffers from a combination of thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia.

Mr Ahern, along with co-founder Steve Garcia, said they were thrilled with the response to the evening.

“The support from the crowd and the entertainment made it such a successful night. A great night was had by all,” Messrs Ahern and Garcia said.

“We will host a charity gala dinner annually and potentially other events throughout the year. We aim to continue to support causes closely connected to The Publican Group family.”