The weather gods did their best to ruin the party… but it was to no avail.
More than 250 women, and a few blokes, ensured the 13th annual Divas on the Green at the Merewether Golf Club etched itself in the event’s history books.
Despite facing atrocious conditions, the revellers and part-time golfers raised a record $38,000 in 2023, for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) and Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation (HBCF), taking the overall total to $226,000.
And, they had a great time in the process.
Although no-one picked up a driver, due to a freak hailstorm that descended upon Newcastle, the participants were “forced” to ensure a huge 80s-themed shindig inside the marquee for the entire day.
“It was touch and go there for a while,” organiser Michelle Faithfull said.
“I was a little concerned that we might end up with a potentially disastrous situation.
“However, the marquee held up, and we had food, drinks and plenty of 80s music to keep it all going, so nobody ventured outside.”
Another highlight were guest speakers Mary Gibson and Sonja Duncan.
“The WRHS assisted both women,” Ms Faithfull said.
“Mary, 83, was trapped under her tractor on her property for two days up near Kempsey.
“She ultimately lost a leg in the incident and is very lucky to be alive, thanks to the service.
“Sonja came off her horse in the Dungog shire.
“She’s also especially grateful to the WRHS.”
Ms Faithfull established Divas on the Green in 2011.
But, for the past three years, she’s hired a 400sqm marquee to sit on the ninth green to accommodate guests.
It’s now an iconic feature of the event.
“Since COVID, I initially wasn’t able to use the clubhouse because of social distancing requirements,” she said.
“Then it was converted to a display unit for the Third.i Group’s Merewether Residences, so the marquee has become a regular installation.
“I actually started Divas on the Green as I was preparing to participate in a fundraising trek to the Great Wall of China for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
“The next year I incorporated the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation as a co-beneficiary of the funds.
“And, I haven’t been able to stop the event since.
“It’s become a widely sought-after experience, this year selling out in just 59 minutes.”
However, it’s meant a lot to Ms Faithfull, from a personal point of view, too.
“That first trek in 2011 led me on a wild fundraising adventure across the globe with six now under my belt for various charities,” she said.
“I’m just about to lead my seventh across the South Island of New Zealand in April for Home in Place’s Grow a Star program.”
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