A victim of relentless bullying and cyber-bullying, Dolly's death has sparked a nationwide movement — Dolly’s Dream — created by her parents, Kate and Tick Everett.
Established to work to prevent other precious lives being lost to bullying, each year people around the country hold events on Do it for Dolly Day to promote awareness and raise funds for the cause.
Here in Echuca, Rebecca Peachy and Taras Hall Hotel owner Michelle Koch are teaming up to host a Do it for Dolly event this Friday.
Ms Peachey said she first heard about Dolly when it happened, with her death staying with her ever since.
“I choose a fundraiser each year; this year, this one was quite close to me,” Ms Peachey said.
“There is so much out there and people are bullied all the time and I don't think it's right.
“The more awareness and money we can raise to make people aware the better.”
Ms Koch said it was a no-brainer to host the fundraiser.
“So many people have kids, I've got a child, and what you want to do is protect them,” Ms Koch said.
“So when something like this happens it wakes up everyone.”
“We're big on doing things for the community.”
The event will see raffles, auctions and door prizes on offer for those who attend, with all the money raised going to the Alannah & Madeline Foundation.
“We've got some amazing things to auction,” Ms Peachy said.
“We've had so much donated so far, it's amazing, the support has been amazing.”
Going door-to-door to ask for donations, Ms Peachey said she wasn't surprised by the generosity of the community.
“When people realise it's for a good cause, and it's a close cause to a lot of people these days, they want to help,” she said.
Ms Peachy said the target was to raise $10,000, with any more a bonus.
With the James Holland Band performing on the night, Ms Peachey encouraged everyone to come down for a drink and win a prize.
“It's going to be a good night, and it's for an amazing cause,” she said.
The Do it for Dolly Day event will kick off at Taras Hall Hotel on Friday, May 14, from 6pm.
For those who can't attend the night, raffle tickets are on sale at the hotel now.
● FOR crisis support or if you know someone who is struggling, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au; phone Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or visit beyondblue.org.au; phone Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 or visit kidshelpline.com.au; or phone Headspace on 1800 650 890 or visit headspace.org.au.
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