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<\/p>\nAn overjoyed Peter Sleap has 250,000 reasons to smile after another successful Sleapy\u2019s Day.<\/p>\n
Following the event\u2019s 15th anniversary at Townson Oval earlier in the month, which saw the South Newcastle Lions and Maitland Pickers provide the on-field entertainment, the bean counters have collated a final tally from the annual fundraiser.<\/p>\n
And, thanks to the generosity of corporate sponsors, attendees and the wider community, Sleapy\u2019s Foundation\u2019s coffers will increase by $250,000.<\/p>\n
Even Newcastle Knights star Dane Gagai donated his rare Indigenous jersey to the cause.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThat figure\u2019s absolutely mind-blowing, considering the weather situation,\u201d the man known as Sleapy said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe money is targeted to help more than 160 families.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, it\u2019s an incredible result.<\/p>\n
\u201cDue to the inclement conditions on the eve, and morning, of Sleapy\u2019s Day, numbers were probably down at the ground.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut, I don\u2019t know where we would have fitted anyone else.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe atmosphere was fantastic.<\/p>\n
\u201cPersonally, I think it\u2019s one of the better days we\u2019ve had, especially with just two games of football.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn that respect, credit must go to the Lions and Pickers, too.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re two quality [Newcastle Rugby League] clubs, who not only embrace the concept but are embedded in their respective communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat they do behind the scenes is just unbelievable.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, when you take everything into account, it\u2019s a magnificent outcome for the foundation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the amazing thing and why it is so special\u2026 people see where the money goes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not about curing cancer, we\u2019re about helping people in the community, whether it\u2019s covering the cost of medical treatment, providing financial relief during a crisis or stepping in when there\u2019s nowhere else to turn.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, there\u2019s no rest for Sleapy nor his team.<\/p>\n
They\u2019ll host a sports luncheon<\/a>, featuring NRL legend Wayne Pearce and emcee Adam Murray, at Souths Merewether on Friday 10 October.<\/p>\n Between 1pm and 5pm, people can enjoy a delicious two-course menu, drinks, an auction, raffles and plenty of banter.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re looking forward to that,\u201d Sleapy said.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom his Origin heroics to his leadership at the highest level, Wayne will share powerful insights on high performance, resilience and what it takes to stay at the top, both on the field and beyond.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cSo, if anyone\u2019s interested, jump on board and grab a table.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re also gearing up for our Sleap Walk on 15 November.<\/p>\n \u201cThe money raised from that event will go towards our PICU courtyard project<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n The Newcastle Weekly is the media partner of Sleapy\u2019s Foundation<\/p>\n For more news stories:<\/p>\n