Koori-Oke raises $5000

The Mingaletta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation in Umina has raised more than $5000 for the Leslie family and their young son Riley.

Six-month old Riley has just finished open heart surgery to repair two holes in his heart and the money raised from the karaoke fundraising night will help cover hospital costs.

Riley's great grandmother Ms Dianne O'Brian has chaired Mingaletta for three years and is overwhelmed by the community support.

Event coordinator Ms Kerry Eason also agreed that the amount of support shown from the community was amazing.

More than 100 people attended the Koori-Oke fundraising night at Everglades Country Club on August 8.

Ms Eason said a total of $5250 was raised for the Leslie family of Kariong.

"Riley has been out of hospital now for two weeks but unfortunately he is back in Gosford Hospital with a touch of pneumonia," Ms Eason said.

Ms Eason said Mingaletta would not hesitate to hold another benefit night if Riley needed more surgery and medical assistance.

Clare Graham, 17 Aug 2009 Interviewee: Kerry Eason, Mingaletta