A FUNDRAISER to raise awareness and funds for Huntington’s disease will be held at Donato Cafe in Mt Martha on 26 August.
The event is being organised by Silvana Contu, Business Development Manager at ART in Caring, and any funds raised will go towards Huntington’s Victoria.
Huntington’s Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation providing support, education, and advocacy for individuals living with the disease, and their families.
Contu said the idea for the fundraiser came from ART in Caring’s work supporting clients living with Huntington’s and seeing first-hand the impact the disease can have on individuals, carers, and loved ones.
“It’s not just about the client, it’s about the whole unity,” said Contu.
ART in Caring provides support at home, NDIS, DVA support, private care, and TAC services across the peninsula and surrounding areas.
“ART stands for autonomy, respect, and trust,” said Contu.
The fundraiser will feature Huntington’s Victoria’s CEO Tammy Gardner as a guest speaker, with Jackie Hamill attending as a representative of a local member of parliament.
Tickets cost $50, with $30 covering a buffet style spread, tea, and coffee, and $20 being donated to Huntington’s Victoria.
A “Wall of Hope” will also be created at the fundraiser to honour individuals impacted by the disease.
Contu said she hoped the fundraiser would help the community better understand Huntington’s disease and challenge misconceptions about what people living with Huntington’s are capable of.
“Just because someone has Huntington’s doesn’t mean that they’re not able to voice their opinion,” said Contu.
She said people with the disease can continue to live and work, particularly when given patience and support.
“People need to have that understanding that even though someone is living with Huntington’s, doesn’t mean that they should be singled out as not being capable of, or not comprehending what is actually going on,” said Contu.
“Nowadays, we’re not patient enough to be able to understand and stop and take a breath and give people the opportunity to do what they can do.”
Contu said she hopes the fundraiser will also help recognise the important role carers and families play in supporting those affected by Huntington’s.
“We are supporting this fundraiser for families, so they can receive essential support, education, advocacy, and meaningful community connection,” said Contu.
“I just think it’s really important for the community to stop and reflect on how lucky we are and to be able to give back to the community in some way.”
The fundraiser will be held at Donato Cafe on Craigie Rd in Mt Martha on 26 August, beginning at 11am. You can purchase tickets at: events.humanitix.com/the-power-of-community-supporting-huntington-s-victoria-through-creativity-and-compassion
First published in the Mornington News – 18 August 2026
