R Marine Perth rafts up $15k for variety

Perth, Western Australia:  It was a spectacular sight as 19 Rivieras rafted up in front of Perth City on a glorious summer’s day, all in the aid of charity for the inaugural Riviera Variety Raft Up.

The annual raft up raised more than $15,000 for Variety WA to help sick, disadvantaged and special needs children live, laugh and learn.

R Marine Perth dealer principal Brendon Grieve said it was a fabulous afternoon and many Riviera owners took the opportunity to invite clients and staff onboard.

“We picked up a few people from Barrack Street jetty with our Brig tenders and took them back to the boats for some afternoon entertainment by guitarist singer, James Morley,” Brendon said.

“James was absolutely sensational as he entertained the crowd from the stern of our 4000 Sport Yacht.

“The raft up formed the perfect amphitheatre with the city as a backdrop and everyone had a great time.”

R Marine Perth dealer principal Brendon Grieve initiated the 2012 Riviera Variety Raft Up as an international challenge to see who could raft up the largest number of Riviera models, bringing owners together in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

“WA was definitely up to the challenge, showing the rest of the world how the West Aussies do it with the most Rivieras rafted up together,” Brendon said.

“We were extremely pleased with the high level of participation and support from our Riviera family and look forward to seeing them all again at next year’s Riviera Variety Raft Up where we hope to exceed our 2012 fundraising efforts.

“Congratulations must go to Troy Cawthan and the team from SMP Engineering for raising the highest funds for Variety WA.  Their efforts have been rewarded with a $1000 voucher from Club Marine.”

SMP Engineering is a Western Australian company specialising in structural, mechanical piping and engineering.  SMP has experience working in the mining, oil and gas sectors throughout Australia and South East Asia.

SMP managing director Troy Cawthan said the team set a target to raise $1000 for Variety WA and far exceeded this with a total fundraising effort of $2600.

“I am so pleased that everyone took time to dig deep for this very worthy cause, and that our guys in the field raised $780, which I was very pleased to match that dollar for dollar,” Troy said after the event.

SMP also collected staff donations, held raffles and received corporate donations from Turco & Co Accountants, Centro Chambers Insurance and JKC Consulting.

Brendon said, “A huge thank you to our major sponsors Twin Disc, Club Marine and Brig, who have helped make this event a success.”