Record-breaking Biggest Morning Tea at East Shepparton Bowls Club

There were plenty of prize draws throughout the morning, from spot prizes and raffles to the ever-exciting auction.

The auction brought a buzz to the room, with auctioneer Morgan Spencer running the show. The sashiko quilt attracted the highest bid, of $410.

Through ticket sales, the auction and prizes on the day the club raised $6700, and thanks to the generosity of club member Clay Howard, by the end of the morning had raised $10,000, which will be donated to the Cancer Council.

The club invited long-time member Vincent Taverna to share his story with stomach cancer.

Vincent said that he went in for a check-up after noticing he had black faeces, but with nothing found he was sent home and went on a holiday. Upon returning, he knew something wasn’t right.

He went back to see the specialists and had two gastroscopies in two weeks, which confirmed the bad news.

Now, two years cancer-free, his message to all is clear: Make sure you see a doctor if strange symptoms persist.

“I didn’t think I was that crook,” Vincent said.

“The specialists told me I was lucky to be here.

“Now, I’m going to live. I’m going to enjoy tomorrow while I’ve got it.”

Across the six years, the club has raised $29,500 for the Cancer Council.

Organisers say the club will continue to put on the annual morning tea for a cause that is close to so many hearts.