Last year the memory of Sophie Grace Patch was felt at the Get Chopped Pub in Greenmount through the holding of a goldfish racing event, which will again happen this year on Australia Day.
Sophie, daughter of Todd and Tamara Patch of East Greenmount, tragically passed away in November 2022 at the young age of 11 months.
In her memory, goldfish racing was held at Get Chopped on Australia Day in 2023, raising $9,675 for the Children’s Hospital Foundation (CHF).
Other fundraising ventures saw ‘Smile for Sophie’ raise an incredible $18,115 in 2023.
Tamara said the decision to hold Sophie Grace’s Goldfish Racing again was a no-brainer.
“2023 Goldfish Races were an absolute hit and crowd pleaser,” she said.
“Todd thought of the idea after seeing something similar in another country and decided to build the goldfish racing lanes and give it a go and it was a massive success.”
“Our family will continue to raise money for the CHF not only for sick kids, but also their families which need so much support in such trying chapters of their lives.”
The events at Get Chopped Pub Greenmount begin at 10am next Friday, 26 January.
Goldfish racing on Australia Day
Tamara Patch said the 2024 Goldfish Races will be action packed.
“The Get Chopped Pub, Greenmount opens at 10am with the first fish auction starting at about 11am, there will be five Fish Races with eight fish auctioned for each race running during the day,” she said.
Aside from the goldfish racing, Tamara said there are also competitions, including Best Dressed Aussie Day Theme Individual, Couple & Group, with great prize money on offer.
“There will also be a massive raffle with amazing prizes and also a Raffle to Win a family holiday to Tangalooma Island Resort valued over $1400.”
She said there will be plenty of Aussie Day themed entertainment/games for everyone as well as live music, great food and cold drinks.
“Dream Big Support Services have supported the event sponsoring the main fish race, ‘The Sophie Grace Plate’ and the Kids Corner with a jumping castle, face painting, lucky dips and popcorn machine to make it an event for the whole family.
“A Massive thank you to all our sponsors who have helped support this year’s ‘Sophie Grace’s Goldfish Racing’.
“You can find out more information about the event or just our story on our Facebook page @Smile for Sophie.
This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 18 January 2024.
