Sellout dinner at Preston Peak Winery hopes to raise $20,000 for Toowoomba drug rehabilitation centre Sunrise Way

Sunrise Way has helped the lives of hundreds of people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, and now they’re receiving a welcome boost thanks to a special charity dinner this weekend.

Preston Peak Wines. Promotion for fundraiser with funds going to Sunrose Way. Mark Osborne, Louise Sanderson, Jeff Prebble, Rick Osborne

The Toowoomba region’s only community drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre will receive a welcoming boost thanks to a major fundraising dinner this weekend.

The Darling Downs Order of Saint John has organised a special event for 180 people at Preston Peak Winery on Sunday afternoon, with all money going towards rehab centre Sunrise Way.

Darling Downs Prior Jeff Prebble said the sold-out event was likely to raise about $20,000 for the centre, largely thanks to Preston Peak donating its services and function area.

“They’re a very worthwhile charity and we recognise the importance of the work they do,” he said.

“The order always looks for a medical or paramedical charity to raise money for, and we gave a small donation to Sunrise Way last year (so) we always felt we would like to supplement that.”

Sunrise Way CEO Louise Sanderson said the money would help with refurbishments.

“We were extremely touched by the generosity, not just from the Order of St John’s but also Preston Peak as well for hosting it,” she said.

“Certainly the funds will be used for our current residents as well as future residents, so we’re looking at how we can improve the facility.”

Preston Peak director Rick Osborne said the venue was donating upwards of $25,000 in in-kind support by hosting the event for free.

“Because we’re not charging anything and we would have about 180 turning up, so all up it will be about $25,000 to $30,000 by the time you work in drinks, staffing, food and everything,” he said.

“All ticket sales and auctions go to the actually fundraising effort there.”