THE fifth annual Curry & Jam booked at Binya Hall has been cancelled amid COVID-19 concerns surrounding large public gatherings.
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The major fundraiser serves as a hallmark for the Country Education Foundation every year, but the current state of society has created an abrupt ending to this particular evening of entertainment.
Chairman of the Country Education Foundation, Craig O'Keefe, says the group will remain committed to their promise, providing opportunities for young locals who would like to pursue their studies away from Griffith.
But without Curry & Jam, the majority of their funding will be delayed.
"We're hoping to still run Curry & Jam later in the year, just because it's so important to our fundraising efforts," Mr O'Keefe said.
"This is obviously our major fundraiser for the year, so we're definitely still going to do it."
An average of 300 people make their way to Curry & Jam each year, helping the Country Education Foundation keep their pledge of assistance to young adults in the MIA.
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This year, the committee will give $29,000 of assistance to 20 members of the local community, helping them achieve study goals which were previously impossible.
"The cancellation means we won't be getting our funds as quickly as we normally would," Mr O'Keefe explained.
"If we don't get to run it, it will unfortunately impact our funding for next year.
"But we don't overcommit, so we're still in a pretty good position financially to help out this year's recipients."
Anyone who has bought tickets to the 2020 Curry & Jam can get their refund from Fred Cole Betta Home Living, or hold onto their ticket until a new date is announced.
CEF would like to thank all of their valued sponsors for their commitment and understanding during this time.
"I really want to thank everyone, I'm sure they're upset by it, but I'm also sure they understand," Mr O'Keefe said.
"It's very disappointing, but with the weird times we're living in at the moment I suppose that's just the way it is."
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