Sunday 29th April saw 134 guests including about 50 members, past members, family and friends of the Rotary Club of Brisbane converge on the Victoria Park Golf Club Ballroom to celebrate 46 years of hard Rotary-ing by one James "Dela" Delahunty in a testimonial "roast" luncheon.
James "Dela" Delahunty (centre) with master roaster Phil Gresham (left) and President Daniel Vankov (right)
The event was held to support the Donations in Kind programme of Rotary in Australia which ships serviceable furniture, equipment and supplies that are no longer needed in Australia to destinations such as Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands that have need of them. To date, thousands of containers of goods worth an estimated $52M have been shipped.
The event was expertly managed by the golden tonsils and mercurial wit of Tony "the voice" Pilkington as guests enjoyed a delectable two-course meal provided by the Victoria Park Golf club. All the while series of roasters including Dela's family, colleagues and Rotary friend Phil Gresham kept us entertained with stories about the funnier and more embarassing side of Dela's career as a rugby player, noob flatmate, pharmacist, entrepreneuer and family man.
Daughter Bridget Delahunty enlightens the audience on "the eating habits of the white whale".
Another highlight of the event included a presentation of a Paul Harris Fellowship to Dr. Jim Drum by President Danial Vankov in recognition of his enormous contribution to Donations in Kind over very many years. Dela was also accorded the honour of being presented with a ceremonial pestle and mortar to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Pharmacy guild by Past President of the Australian Pharmacy Guild, Kos Sklavos.
President Daniel inducting Dr. Jim Drum as a Paul Harris Fellow
Event organiser Jacqui Page has been tireless in organising this event for several months now, and it is a credit to her that we have almost achieved the fundraising target of $10,000 for Donations in Kind.
You can help us over the line to beat this target by taking part in the event's Charity Auction that will continue until 24th May. There are many interesting items of memorabilia there, some of which have significant value, both monetary and historically. You can take part in the auction by visiting: www.32auctions.com/DIK2018
