Friday 3 August is Jeans for Genes Day, and Gerringong’s Rhonda Bailey has been organising the fundraising effort for CMRI Gerringong for all its 25 years.

She says that when the event was introduced it was an instant hit.

“Hardly any other charity was doing a themed event, and when a pair of jeans was connected with the genes of your body it made a connection with everyone.”

Over the years, Rhonda and her team of volunteers have raised over $250,000 for medical research into the genetic cause of childhood diseases. At first they relied solely on the proceeds of selling Jeans for Genes merchandise at shopping centres near and far.

“Now we raise most of the money through our trivia night and our denim quilt raffle, which has been going for seven years,” says Rhonda.

“There are now too many charities competing for donations at the shopping centres to make it a novelty.

“This year we will still be have stalls at Shellharbour and the Gerringong IGA.”

Rhonda is the daughter-in-law of CMRI Gerringong’s founder, the late Dorothy Bailey.

“Her son Philip was born with congenital heart disease and she was determined to help find a cure.”

CMRI Gerringong will celebrate 60 years of continuous fundraising in March next year.

Details: Tables with Genes for Jeans merchandise and quilt raffle tickets will be at the Gerringong IGA on 27-28 July and 2-3 August.

The Trivia Night is on Friday 3 August,
Gerroa Fisherman’s Club, 6.30 for 7pm. $20 tickets from Cronins Liquor