Trivia evening raises $7000

Nearly $7000 was raised at a trivia evening and auction held at the Ettalong War Memorial Club in support of the Liley family on Friday night, November 3.

Ian Liley died during freakish storms on Sydney Harbour in September.

"Mr Liley 42, was working on a construction site at Sirius Cove near Taronga Zoo, when he noticed the sail of a moored yacht had come loose in the storm," said family friend Mr Glen Mawson.

"Eye witnesses report that Mr Liley was thrown from an inflatable dinghy by the wild weather while travelling to the yacht.

"Struggling to hold onto a nearby mooring buoy, he was seen to experience difficulty and slipped below the surface.

"Efforts to revive him at the scene by rescuers were unsuccessful."

Mr Mawson said that the trivia night and auction in support of the Liley family of Woy Woy, was organised by friends and staff of Wallaby St Weenies Preschool.

"Between rounds of trivia questions, a live band played and games were organised allowing all attendees to participate in fun activities such as mini putt -putt, coin toss and paper airplane throwing contests," Mr Mawson said.

"All game winners and the runners-up received prizes, while the auction of donated items drew wide participation and strong bids."

Although unable to attend the evening themselves, his wife Amanda 38, and children Alice 5, Brianna 3 and Millie 8 months, asked that a poem and message of thanks be read by Amanda's mother, Shirley, to the crowd of nearly 200 local people who attended in support on the night.

"As a family, we have always loved the Peninsula.

"The support from local businesses and the community has been overwhelming," Amanda said.

"We really do appreciate your thoughts and generosity."

Anyone wishing to provide donations or further support to the Liley family can contact Kirsty Ross of Wallaby St Weenies Preschool on 4342 4202.

Press release, November 8 Glen Mawson