Benefit night raises $40,000

A benefit night was held at the Ettalong Beach Club on Saturday, October 30, raising more than $40,000 for five year old Damon Burgess who was diagnosed with leukemia in August.

"As a group of friends, we were devastated by the news and felt quite useless and unable to help," said family friend Ms Rebecca Allerton of Umina.

"After discussion, we decided the only way we could help was to raise some funds to assist the family through their journey," said Ms Allerton.

Damon's parents, Neil and Michelle, had both been working full-time but, due to Damon's treatment, they will be unable to continue to do so, she said.

Damon, a middle child with two brothers Jacob, 8, and Noah, 2, is receiving treatment at both Gosford Hospital and Westmead Children's Hospital and will continue to do so for two years.

"With over 400 loving and caring people in the room, we managed to raise in excess of $40,000 to assist the Burgesses through this journey," said Ms Allerton.

"The donations, love and support have been a massive boost to the Burgess Family who greatly appreciated the support they have received."

Email, 1 Nov 2010 Rebecca Allerton, Umina