Louis Tardini and daughter Melissa Tardini, who suffers from MS, at thefund-raiser concert held by the Rotary Club of Belgrave.
By Emma Sun
A FUNDRAISER concert held by the Rotary Club of Belgrave raised more than $1000 for multiple sclerosis (MS).
More than 100 people attended the Led Zeppelin Tribute band fundraiser recently, which was held at Ruby’s Lounge in Belgrave.
The bands featured included Carloua Zep, Strange Brew, Gangsters of Love and Fire and Water.
Organiser of the event, Rotarian Belinda Tardini, said while numbers weren’t as high as expected, it was a very successful night.
“It was fantastic – everyone said they absolutely loved it and we hit our fundraising target,” she said.
Ms Tardini first got the idea of running a concert from her dad, who is a guitarist in a band.
“I follow and love music, it is something I am very passionate about and I think it’s something everyone can enjoy – they can have fun and support a great cause at the same time.”
MS is an issue she holds close to her heart, as her sister Melissa was diagnosed with the illness seven years ago. They also lost a family member to MS.
“The medication they take has a lot of effects on their body and mind, so I’m hoping that the money raised will help the MS Society find a new preventative medication that will allow those suffering from MS to live a normal life,” she said.
She hoped the concert would generate more awareness for the cause.
“Four people in Australia get diagnosed every working day with MS,” she said.
“It puts them under a lot of strain, when it comes to plans for their future.
“The uncertainty of when an attack will come on is the most straining part and the fact that there is no cure is upsetting.
“With my sister, all we can do is plan for the best and hope that she doesn’t have any major attacks in the following years.”
The Rotary Club of Belgrave will look into making the concert an annual event.
