ARON Siermans' future is looking a little brighter thanks to the generosity of the Ballarat community.
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A cocktail fundraiser held on Saturday at the Mechanics Institute to set up a trust fund for Aron raised more than $80,000.
"The total's up to $82,000 and counting," said Matthew Tol, fundraiser organiser and family friend of the Siermans, on Sunday evening.
Click the image above to see more photos from the fundraiser
About 250 people attended the fundraiser. Mr Tol said every service and item on the night was donated, with entertainment including a bagpipist, harpist, piano and band.
"Not everyone there knew the family, but it was everyone getting together to show their support," Mr Tol said.
"All the funds are going towards Aron's future, so he doesn't become a secondary victim of what happened to his mother."
Aron is cared for by his grandparents after his mother Sharon was murdered last year.
A video was shown explaining what happened to Sharon and reminding everyone what the night was about.
Attendee Sonia Smith said the video struck a chord with her.
"It left a bit of a hole with me because the truth is, Sharon should never have died," she said.