From high teas to quilt shows, rallying local schools and running gala events – our dedicated Fundraising Committees really pulled out all stops this year as part of Jeans for Genes Day.

Following two years without events, the CMRI Fundraising Committees were raring to go this year.

The Canberra Committee hosted a Jeans for Genes Gala Dinner at the Hellenic Club of Canberra with special guest Professor Tony Cesare speaking about his cancer research.

The Hills Committee organised their first ever Denim and Diamonds High Tea at Oatlands House in Sydney which featured Associate Professor Wendy Gold talking about her work with neurodevelopmental disorders.

When it comes to celebrating Jeans for Genes Day in Schools, the Goulburn and Surrounds Committee is excellent at rallying the troops. This year they managed to get an incredible 21 local primary and high schools to sign up and take part which is extraordinary.

It was a similar story in Wagga Wagga where they were also encouraging local businesses and schools to take part in Jeans for Genes Day and they ended up on local TV and radio, featuring CMRI young scientist and Wagga local Tahlia Lawler talking about work as a cancer researcher.

Gerringong held their Trivia Night, raffling off an incredible denim quilt which is always a highlight of their local events, as well as encouraging Gerringong Public School to hold a Jeans for Genes Day.

Kangaroo Valley may be a small community, still suffering from recent floods, but they still collected donations for CMRI, and the Kangaroo Valley Public School also had a mufti day.

Finally, one of the biggest efforts came from our Mudgee Committee who turn their entire town blue as part of Jeans for Genes. They have their own Jeans for Genes kids who were treated to a visit by NSW Police including a helicopter ride. Shops, schools, and everyone in between also got behind the cause.

CMRI’s Community Relations Manager Jennifer Philps thanked all the committees.

“After two years in the wilderness, Jeans for Genes Day provided our committees the opportunity to raise funds, which they love to do, engage with their communities as well as promote the innovative and exciting research at CMRI. Thank you to all for your enthusiasm and continued support.’’