A local vineyard’s annual fundraiser for cancer care nurses has raised around $25,000 over four years for the McGrath Foundation.

On Saturday Indigo Vineyard in the Everton Upper held its fun ‘Paint the Vineyard Pink’ Garden Party exceeding its fundraising target this year of $6000 by $1448 contributing to the overall four-year sum.

Indigo Vineyard’s Rob Hawkings said people attending the event had been very generous as well as those who made two significant donations online on the day.

The sun shone brightly on the warm spring afternoon as 40 guests, many dressed in pink, were greeted with a glass of Rose or bubbles as well an array of delicious canapés.

The happy cohort then tucked into a two course sit down lunch including Indigo Vinyard’s paddock to plate lamb and pork.

A buffet with a selection of homemade pink sweet treats followed with the deserts entered as part of a fundraising competition.

Beechworth’s Wendy Kelly won the prize for the most creative use of pink with her flamingo outfit.

Indigo Vineyard’s Kim Rowley hosted the event together with her husband Rob and their team.

In a welcome address to guests, Ms Rowley said this year celebrated McGrath Foundation’s 20 years of care.

“It started when a one-of-a-kind relationship changed cancer care in Australia forever,” she said.

Ms Rowley said the proven positive impact in the way care has been delivered led the foundation to a new vision with care for people with all cancers.

“The funds raised today will assist to place McGrath Foundation cancer care nurses in communities across Australia," she said.

“They presently fund 233 nurses and have supported more than 143,000 families since 2005.

“Pink Day’ is about fun and donating at the same time, and no one should go through cancer without care and support."

Ms Rowley shared words of a friend recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

"Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women accounting for approximately 28 per cent of all new cancer diagnoses in Australian women in 2024,” she said.

“More than 21,000 people have been diagnosed with breast cancer with the figure including more than 220 men.

“On average, 58 people are diagnosed every day with the risk of a diagnosis over a lifetime being one in seven for women and one in 556 for men.

“It’s a worldwide issue in developed and underdeveloped countries not just our communities with the number of people being diagnosed continuing to increase.”

A guest from Stanley, Anne Sirca, said support is vital when dealing with breast cancer.

“Having nurses who know your plight is important, and having an event hosted by Indigo Vineyard helps support that,” she said.

“They do a wonderful job, the food is amazing and their wine is exceptional.

“It's a great day with lots of fun with good community spirit for a great cause.”

Beechworth musician Samara Bright delighted the crowd with her singing and strumming her guitar while guests also had a chance to bid in a silent auction.

Mr Hawkings said the event had received generous support from local businesses.