Rhapsody for Cancer held at Yallingup’s The Tiller Farm raises more than $130,000 towards research and support

More than $130,000 has been raised for childhood brain cancer research and support in a black-tie event held in Yallingup earlier this month. About 120 people packed The Tiller Farm on June 8 for this year’s Rhapsody for Cancer, enjoying an evening of fine dining and entertainment while supporting The Pirate Ship Foundation and Kids Cancer Support Group. Event organiser Anne Preston Carter described the night as incredible. “There was this amazing vibe from the minute guests started to arrive,” she said. Now its third year, the event drew attendees from the South West region and some who travelled down from Perth. One of the night’s major highlights was the live auction, with businesses providing items to be put under the hammer. Amongst the items auctioned were a four-day luxury cruise from Kimberley Quest, three nights accommodation at Bina Maya Yallingup Escape and a Capes region scenic flight plus winery stop from Kas Helicopters and Wills Domain. Mrs Preston Carter highlighted some of the unexpected events of the night, including Bina Maya also donating a stay for a family receiving support from Kids Cancer Support Group and what happened to the earrings donated by Nina’s Jewellery. “The lucky winner actually re-donated them (the earrings) back to the event and then the person that bought them paid $11,000 for them,” she said. “He was determined to buy them for his wife, and his wife started the Kids Cancer Support Group 30 years ago.” Musical entertainment for the night was provided by 2023 Australian Idol finalists Phoebe Stewart and Sash Seabourne, while attendees also heard from representatives of the beneficiary charities. Mrs Preston Carter said it was hard to put into words the support the event had received from both attendees and businesses. “It’s just emotionally mind-blowing and I’m so appreciative because nobody says no,” she said. “Every time I’ve approached somebody with the concept and with the cause, they’ve just embraced it. “They’ve all wanted to know about the two charities — it’s been an education for people as well.”