FUNDRAISING targets were exceeded at last month’s NET (National Evangelisation Teams) dinner.
The gathering raised more than $40,000, enabling the youth to youth outreach to continue its faith-driven work in Australia and abroad.
NET staff member and event organiser James Garrahy described the May 15 dinner as “blessed and amazing”.
“We are very pleased with what we raised, people are very generous,” he said.
“There was a great vibe in the room.”
Billed as “the most successful dinner” in NET’s history, Channel Nine’s Heather Foord ensured smooth-flowing proceedings.
Speaker Dr John Smith, founder of the God’s Squad Motor Cycle Club, inspired the 202 guests.
“He talked about young people today and the challenges they face … how to break through them by not being into yourself but by going out of yourself,” James said.
“That way you really make a difference … as NET does.”
The night included a silent auction with significant travel donations by Tourism Queensland.
NET Director Shanelle Bennett said she “was on a high for two days” after the dinner.
“The atmosphere was just outstanding … and we are so grateful to those who came and hope to see more next year.”
Mrs Bennett said some of the funds raised would assist in a new vision, with NET posted to a Brisbane University in 2009.
She described the move as “uncharted waters”, adding, “We will reach such an untapped age group where there is so much need.”
This year NET will send a representative to Canada to learn from a successful university ministry.
The outreach began in 1981 with a team of 12 young adults travelling around central parts of America, sharing the Gospel and their faith in a personal, intimate and engaging way.
NET Australia began in 1988 and to date has outreached across 24 dioceses.
