Off the back of last year's success, Rock Off MND returns once again in the form of a Fundraising Gala Dinner with all net proceeds raised being donated to MND Victoria for vital MND research.
A well-loved event on the Geelong calendar, Rock Off MND is an annual event that continues to increase community awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), provide a platform for significant future growth, and of course, continue to raise money for vital MND research.
Inspired by local Geelong health worker Jenny Simko, who at the age of 53 was diagnosed with MND in 2014, the live music event was created together with her family and friends who were determined to raise as much money as possible to help work towards finding a cure for this cruel disease.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
“After Jen was diagnosed she thought this is such a horrendous disease and there was very little research funding back then. She just really wanted to do something to raise money to try and find a cure for this rotten disease,” says Peter Simko, Jenny’s husband, who one day hopes the world will be free of MND. “We’ve got a lot of friends who are musicians so our original thought was let’s just put on a little show locally somewhere where we might raise a little bit of money and have a bit of fun.”
That was nine years ago now, and while Jenny sadly lost her fight in November 2015, her legacy has only flourished. Since its inception, Rock Off MND has featured the likes of Jon Stevens, Pierce Brothers, Maddy Jane, Imogen Brough, Tim Campbell, Ross Wilson and the Peaceniks, Benny Walker, The Kite Machine, Chunky Jam, Madhouse, Woodlock and Kate Ceberano, among others with the event raising over $900,000 and funding ten Jenny Simko MND Research Grants for research conducted by Australian MND research institutions.
Returning as a fundraising gala after the success of last year’s event, Rock Off MND’s 2023 Fundraising Gala Dinner will take place on Saturday 20 May at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong.
Commencing at 6.30pm, the night will feature great music by Alinta Burnell, and Test Pilot Molly, plus comedian Claire Hooper who is certain to provide lots of laughter.
The evening will feature complimentary drinks on arrival followed by a three-course meal and four hours of complimentary beer, wine and sparkling along with your chance to bid on and win a range of excellent prizes.
View this post on Instagram
If that wasn’t enough, they also have a guitar signed by Ed Sheeran during his recent Australian tour with a special message. The Takamini TGX18CENS is a 3/4 size guitar with a full-size voice. Featuring custom designed bracing, a solid spruce top in a scaled-down version of the famous Takamine NEX body style, this very worthy instrument will win your playing time. Mahogany back and sides, rosewood fingerboard and TP4T preamp with tuner round out this very cool guitar. All funds from this sale will be donated to Rock Off MND. You can bid here.
It happens on Saturday, 20 May at President’s Room GMHBA Stadium. Tickets are $175 per head, with tables of 10 or single seats available.
Tickets can only be purchased online at the event website www.rockoffmnd.com.au. A donations section on the event website is provided for those that would like to support the event but are not able to attend on the night.
All net proceeds from Rock Off MND Gala Dinner are donated directly to support vital MND research. For more information on Motor Neurone Disease check out MND Victoria.
