The evening was held at Smart Artz Gallery in South Melbourne amid 70 pieces of artwork spanning 14 years of Australian entrants of the Florence Biennali Exhibition. Approximately 150 guests attended and enjoyed good food and wine while listening to the dulcet tunes of Vika and Linda Bull who offered their services to The Gutsy Group to help make this event a huge success. Our guests also heard a very personal account of the impact that Inflammatory Bowel Disease can have on family life when children are affected. The financial support of several sponosrs is hugely appreciated. These, together with donations from other organisations of goods and services to the raffle and live auctions, ensured the night was a financial success.

The Gutsy Group had its first ever representation in the Run Melbourne event this year. A crisp Melbourne morning greeted our runners and walkers as they braved the streets and crowd. Several people participated in the 5km walk/run, 10km run and ½ marathon while their generous sponsors helped raise over $3000 for research.

A fantastic evening was held on July 14th at Kino Cinema with the pre-screening of another Australian film The Waiting City. Sparkling wine and sandwiches were served to the 175 movie-goers before an update on The Gutsy Group’s activities was presented by Chairman, Dr Alex Collie. Over $4000.00 were raised from the event, which has become a popular annual event.

The Gutsy Group’s annual movie night was held in June during Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week at the Kino Cinema in Melbourne. The film, State of Play, starring Russell Crowe and Helen Mirren attracted 220 people. Champagne and sandwiches were served before the movie and over $3,000 was raised on the night.

Over 100 people attended the Family Day held at Greenvale’s Living Legends Farm at Woodlands Estate. A sausage sizzle and picnic under the trees, complete with children’s activities and a raffle helped raise over $3,000.

Approximately 100 bowlers and spectators attended the Melbourne Bowling Club, Windsor to enjoy an evening of sport and socializing. A silent auction and raffle enabled almost $4000 to be raised at the event.

The inaugural movie night was held at the Palace Cinema, Balwyn to coincide with Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week, 2008. The Australian movie, Unfinished Sky, was screened and was attended by over 150 people who enjoyed drinks and sweets before the movie. A raffle on the night helped raise over $2,000.

Approximately 200 walkers attended Point Nepean to support The Gutsy Group. A BBQ lunch, as well as a showcase of old cars from the Southern Peninsula Historical Vehicle Club, together with children’s activities entertained our guests. R T Edgar, was a major sponsor of the event and enabled the profit to be over $13,000.

The inaugural Gutsy Group Ball at Flemington Racecourse was attended by approximately 200 guests and raised over $19,000. Fundraising activities in the evening included a raffle, and live and silent auctions. A number of businesses and traders contributed to prizes on the night.