All up, $17,569 went to the appeal from the community’s bowls fundraiser on March 29 and the Stag Hotel’s year-long fundraising efforts. 

Pub owner Les Frost said it was a tremendous effort by everyone involved. 

“In the last 10 years the pub and the Learmonth Bowling Club have donated 10 per cent of the Ballarat takings,” he said. “That alone is a big thing for a little place out of town.” 

The Learmonth community’s donation was the biggest from the region. 

The community embraced the cause in honour of Millie Falla, a Learmonth girl who died from a rare heart condition in 2007. 

“Because of (Millie) they wanted to keep honouring it, and everybody in the town has backed it up,” said Mr Frost.

Mr Frost said the work of Millie’s aunt and uncle David and Bec Ryan to run the bowling fundraiser was incredible. 

“They’re the ones, the last 10 years, that have really got it right off the ground, and they go round and get all the donations ... before the auction, there’s a lot of work involved,” he said. “David will already be planning the next one.” 

The bowls fundraiser saw more than 100 people in 27 teams from all over Western Victoria take part. 

The event raised the bulk of the money, but the pub’s efforts raised almost $5000 throughout the year as well.

Mr Frost said the pub  had already started fundraising for next year’s appeal. 

“I did the Easter raffle, and I’ve got $350 already, and we haven’t even started the year off yet,” he said. “It’s a pleasure to be doing it.” 

The organisers wanted to thank all the businesses that donated items to the bowls day auction.

alex.hamer@fairfaxmedia.com.au