The Yachtsman 2017-2018 RPAYC Yachtsman 2016-2017 | Page 89

O P E R AT I O N B E A R D O F F F O R I D S
T
he Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s
Sailing Coach, Tom Spithill has shaved
off his red beard to raise over $11,000 for
the Club’s Integrated disAbled Sailing
program with all proceeds going to
Australia’s Solider On organisation.
has just been going above and beyond for us and we can’t
thank him enough” said Nathan Vardanega.
Picture Credit: Adventures of a Sailor Girl
A crowd of around 300 gathered at the Club to witness
the promised spectacle. Initial hopes for Operation Beard
Off had been to raise around $2,000, however fundraising
efforts quickly escalated to $7,175 prior to the day of the
shave. On the day, as Tom took the throne, the donations
came through thick and fast and at one point an auction
was held to snip the beard plait which went to John Lane
Smith for $150. Food and Beverage Supervisor Sturt
Royle donned the shearer’s singlet for the shave and got
to work, closely followed by Tom’s girlfriend Rachel,
Nathan Vardanega, Reintegration Officer for Solider
On, then followed with long-time critic, his mum Jenny
Spithill, also having a turn.
300 GATHERED TO WITNESS THE SPECTACLE
Once the beard was off, an anonymous bid of $1,000
was offered on the condition that it was matched by a
further $1,000 in donations and that Tom would lose the
hair on his head as well. Being the good sport that he is
he agreed to. Well, as you can imagine, members rallied
around and over a $1,000 came in and off it came.
The grand total raised was $11,900. A fantastic effort
by all!
Solider On provides support to our ex-service men
and women to help reintegrate them back into society
and on a road to recovery from the mental and physical
wounds received as part of their service.
Sailing Coach Tom Spithill, along with the help from
Club members, has taken charge of the program which
has seen some very positive results and to give a little
extra to a great partnership he decided to shave off his
beard for a great cause.
“I’ve been taking these guys out sailing on the Club’s
and members’ boats for the past year or so and they love
the water and a challenge. To add a little extra to the
cause I was more than happy to shave my beard,” said
Tom Spithill.
“I was so stoked to raise this much money. A huge
round of applause to all those who donated and to
the Club and the members who have supported this
partnership with Soldier On since it started,” said Tom.
Nathan Vardanega, Reintegration Officer for Solider
On who started the proceedings had nothing but gratitude
to Tom and the Club for their work with Solider On. “It’s
been great here at the Club, they have been so welcoming
and supportive of Soldier On and Tommy (Tom Spithill)
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