But as it reaches its conclusion, the campaign has turned into something so much more.
“I think people realise, while Terry has inspired the campaign and is the face of it, it's really about everyone who is affected by cancer across the region and that is sadly thousands of people and their families and carers,” campaign organiser Robert Dore said.
The fundraiser, which begun in September, aims to raise $200,000 for the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre, which provides a treatment option close to home for those living in north-east Victoria.
NAIDOC celebrated in Benalla
With more than 60 ambassadors on board to promote the fundraiser, many of whom are growing "big beards", word has spread far and wide as the cause hits close to home.
“The initial group of ambassadors, it was just us who were on the organising committee,” Mr Dore said.
“But as the word spread, one of the measures for me, is how many people have joined as ambassadors that have no immediate contact with our circle, but they're been drawn to the cause.
“It's proving to be a really positive campaign.”
Aboriginal Garden: 18 years in the making
Coupled with a strong social media strategy, the campaign has also seen many people open up and share their stories online in the hope of shining a light on the effects of cancer.
“Sharing stories of people's experiences was always going to be really important, but we never knew quite what stories were going to emerge,” Mr Dore said.
“Working closely with the cause, you really get in touch with what the struggle is with people who are affected, let alone the courage of those who have been directly affected by it who are talking about it.”
With donations closing at midday Friday, November 13, and the current tally standing at around $130,000 as of last week, Terry's campaign is pushing up the field for one last set shot at their target.
Final day fun at Benalla P-12 College
“We've got 14 days left, so the clock's ticking, but we are still hopeful we can push and get as close to the $200,000 as possible,” Mr Dore said.
The campaign will then culminate with a helicopter dropping 1500 balls over Benalla Showgrounds, with the nearest to the pin winning a $10,000 major prize.
COVID-19 restrictions has seen a shift in how the Saturday, November 21, event will run, though more details will be released in the lead up.
Dore said the initial hope had been to throw a function, inviting as many people affected by or fighting cancer to come and celebrate.
Benalla Shorts goes online this November 7
Restrictions have also seen the manufacturer of the balls unable to reopen, which means the lottery has moved to two step process.
“The first is electronic, which randomly selects 1500 people who get a ball in the ball drop from the over 6000 donors who have contributed to the campaign so far,” Mr Dore said.
● To follow the campaign, search @bigbeardedballdrop on Facebook, or donate at this link.
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