The 2018 IMB Bank Cook Community Classic has been officially launched at Elouera SLSC, where community groups and sponsors gathered to formally announce the beginning of the fundraising events.
The IMB Bank Cook Community Classic is a major community event combining a competitive surf carnival between our four Bate Bay Surf clubs, an open ocean swim, a beach handball event and a community carnival in the surrounding Beach and park.
Fundraising opportunities for community groups come from participating in the major prize raffle, community carnival and Gala Ball sponsored by Sylvania BMW and Rotary Caringbah held every two years.
The major fundraising raffle is an easy way for the charity groups involved to raise money for their organisation without the hard work and cost of gathering prizes or printing raffle tickets.
The official launch of the Classic was attended by Federal Member for Cook and event patron, Scott Morrison, Sutherland Shire Mayor Carmelo Pesce, members from the Bate Bay Surf Clubs, IMB Bank and sponsors.
Mr Morrison said the classic had grown so much since its inception in 2008 with this year a record number of community organisations involved and even more corporate supporters helping out.
“Last year, our tenth year, we met our target in raising over $1 million dollars for these community groups,” Mr Morrison said.
“When we approached the Bate Bay Surf Clubs back in 2008, to give back to the community in which they have received so much support from, we never envisaged where it would take us.
“I thank the clubs for their tireless commitment to this event. In particular Anita Pryke and Greg Allum (Wanda), Peter Carney (Elouera) and Brian Ferguson (North Cronulla) who have been volunteer committee members since day one.”
From its inception, the classic has enjoyed the support of sponsors IMB Bank, Qantas, Australian Hotels Association, Sydney Airport Corp. Ltd and Rotary Caringbah.
Sutherland Shire Council have also lent their support through the parks and facilities provided.
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IMB Bank CEO, Robert Ryan said the IMB Bank Cook Community Classic was a great example of how a grass roots community event could grow each year to help so many in the community.
“IMB Bank has supported this event for the past 11 years as part of our ongoing commitment to make the communities in which we operate better places to live,” Mr Ryan said.
“Earlier this year, we were proud to be awarded the Best Mutual Bank of the Year and one of the key judging criteria was the level and nature of the support provided to communities.
“It is a fun day with something for everyone to enjoy.”
More recent supporters include Sylvania BMW, Woolooware Bay, Sharks, McDonalds Sutherland Shire Restaurants, PAYCE, ANSTO, Deicorp, Westfield Miranda and F45 Training.
This year the Cook Classic Carnival is being held at North Cronulla Beach and Park on November 18, moved from its usual venue, Cronulla, due to the club redevelopment.
Community groups will be on the streets and at shopping centres around the shire and St George areas, including Westfield Miranda, selling raffle tickets for their organisation.
For more information on how your community organisation can be involved contact 9523 0339 or visit cookcommunityclassic.com.au
