Cooper’s dad, Matt Betts, and brothers, Jackson, 16, and Oscar, 14, at the ‘Smashing it for Cooper’ fundraiser.
Photo by
Abby Green
Cobram Cricket Club's ‘Smashing it for Cooper’ fundraiser has exceeded expectations, uniting the community in an “unbelievable” show of support for the Betts family.
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On Saturday, December 20 the Cobram community gathered at the showgrounds to watch an exciting game of cricket with a barbecue, cold drinks and music.
Santa and the Grinch visited kids at the ‘Smashing it for Cooper’ fundraiser on Saturday, December 20.
Photo by
Abby Green
Crowds also enjoyed a special visit from Santa and the Grinch in a fire truck escorted by the Cobram CFA.
The fundraiser was organised for Cooper Betts, 12, who has been a part of the Cobram Cricket Club for almost four years and was recently diagnosed with leukaemia.
The Cobram CFA escorted Santa and the Grinch in a fire truck to the fundraiser.
Photo by
Abby Green
Cooper is currently undergoing treatment in Melbourne and was unable to attend the event, but his dad, Matt, and brothers, Jackson and Oscar, were there.
Cooper’s dad, Matt Betts, said he was “overwhelmed” by how the whole town had gotten behind them.
Cobram cricketers and footballers played each other in a game of T20 cricket, raising money for the local Betts family.
Photo by
Abby Green
“We are so thankful to everyone and the whole community ... it's very humbling,” he said.
Cobram Cricket Club president Manny Artavilla said the turn-out at the fundraiser was “unbelievable”.
Lots of laughs were had among the Cobram cricketers and footballers while playing each other.
Photo by
Abby Green
At last count, the club was pretty confident it had raised more than $20,000 for the family.
“It was bigger than what we thought it was going to be, it was just amazing ... we’re so lucky to live in a little town that can do this stuff,” Mr Artavilla said.
Cooper's grandparents Anne and Garry Betts attended the fundraiser, wearing T-shirts in support of their grandson.
Photo by
Abby Green
“I had Matt’s mum give me a hug and shed a little tear, and she gave me a thank you and I said, ‘Well, we're just doing our little part.’”
The Berrigan and Deniliquin cricket clubs also banded together to raise money for the Betts family, collectively donating over $800.
Sharra Beasley and Leah Nish volunteered to run the bar at the fundraiser, making a variety of cocktails including mojitos and espresso martinis.
Photo by
Abby Green
Mr Artavilla said it was an “amazing effort”, and “mind-blowing” to see how everyone had rallied.
“It’s great to see how the cricket community is sticking together,” he said.
Community spirit was high during the cricket game, with a big crowd cheering players on.
Photo by
Abby Green
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