From the office of Variety children's charity

GET ONBOARD THE VARIETY SPLASH!

You’ve probably heard of the Variety Bash, but this week, get ready for the Variety Splash!
Variety, the children’s charity is branching out from its iconic car rally fundraiser, fondly known as‘The Bash’, and taking its message to the seas. The inaugural Variety Splash, to be held from 28 February to 1 March, is a leisurely three-day / two-night boat rally circling Port Philip Bay, interspersed with social events and a good dose of irreverent fun.

The event will commence at Waterfront City Docklands and ‘Splashers’ will travel a course to Mornington, across the bay to Geelong, and back up the coast to Waterfront City. Participants can rest their sea legs during stopovers and nightly functions, and revel in style during the event’s final festivities at the Docklands finish line.

It is anticipated the inaugural event will raise $150,000 which will go towards providing utilities and life experiences for Australia's sick, disadvantaged and Special Needs Children.
Some of the many projects Variety supports include enabling life-saving medical treatment;
funding hospital wards and neo-natal transport ambulances; running public education campaigns; providing scholarships; purchasing minibuses and wheelchair-friendly playground equipment; and supporting individuals with mobility and communication devices.

The Variety Splash is an opportunity for seasoned seafarers and novices alike to enjoy a unique experience, while providing essential funds for the much-needed services and programs that Variety supports.

Variety Splash ambassador and Channel 7 celebrity Michael Felgate will host Friday evening’s social event and is honoured to be involved.

“Events like the Variety Splash let the children and their families know that the community
supports them,” Mr Felgate said.

“A lot of the children’s special requirements can be extremely costly and the help that Variety provides really does make a phenomenal difference to their lives and to their spirit.”

Kelly Landry (Coxy’s Big Break) and Olympic gold medallist Mark Turnbull will also be splashing in on the fun later this week, spinning the coffee grinders as the Splash burns around the bay.

If you would like to give the Variety Splash a send-off and show your support for Victoria’s
Special Needs Children, the fleet will be departing on its maiden voyage from Waterfront City, Docklands, at 9:30am this Thursday (28 February).

(Pictured: With similar ethos to that of the hugely successful road-based fund-raising event the Variety Bash, the inaugural Variety Splash 2008 will be a unique experience, comprising a three-day power and sail boat rally cruising around Port Phillip Bay.)

Further information:
LeisureCorp – (03) 9642 1227 or visit: www.varietysplash.org.au