Bundy bars turn UGLY

IT'S official – Bundaberg women Aileen Shelton and Renate Katt are among the ugliest bartenders in the state.

Aileen Shelton, with her boss Geoff McIntosh of the Western Suburbs Leagues Club, placed third in the UGLY bartender of the year competition. Picture: Mike Knott

IT'S official – Bundaberg women Aileen Shelton and Renate Katt are among the “ugliest” bartenders in the state.

And they're proud of it.

Ms Shelton has just taken out third place in the UGLY (Understanding Generous Likable You) Bartender of the Year fundraising competition, which raises money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

“I'm really proud of myself,” she said.

“My main ambition to do this was because I lost my dad to cancer.”

The Western Suburbs Leagues Club employee raised $11,605, beating 94 other Queensland bartenders.

“All up, everyone raised $170,000 and they only raised $90,000 last year,” she said.

“It was a way for me to give back to the people who helped us.”

Ms Shelton said she was told the funds she raised would provide accommodation for leukemia patients and their families.

“It's $80 a night and it means people won't have to sleep in their cars, which some do,” she said.

The bartender spent weeks fundraising, holding raffles each day, a cent sale, a fun day and a lawn bowls event.

She said the leagues club patrons got her through the contest.

“I wouldn't have been able to do it without all their support,” she said.

Mrs Katt, who works at the Isis Club in Childers, came eighth in the state and was highly commended for her efforts.

She earned $5443 through a barefoot bowls day, cent sale and various raffles.

“I was stoked. I just wanted to get in the top 20,” Mrs Katt said.

Mrs Katt said she had very personal reasons for entering the competition and wanted to help the foundation with its work.

“My niece had leukemia – she passed away about 15 years ago,” she said.

“What I saw the family go through, it was very sad.

“My mother and some dear friends, they've got different forms of cancer so I thought if I could help somewhere I would.”

Mrs Katt said she couldn't have done without the help of the community in her fundraising efforts.

Originally published as Bundy bars turn UGLY