Not-for-profit youth organisation, the Reach Foundation will hold a fundraiser at McGuigans Winery on Friday, March 31.

But Reach Foundation regional manager Hunter Emily Cant said a Reach event was “not your average ho-hum fundraiser”.

“They're designed to make you think, laugh and sometimes cry – giving you the unique Reach ‘experience’ that tens of thousands of young people have each year,” she said. 

Reach is a mental health organisation that has supported 30,000 young Australians. 

It was established in 1994 by AFL Brownlow Medallist and youth motivator Jim Stynes OAM along with Australian film director, Paul Currie.

The aim of the foundation is to support young people to get the most out of life and improve their wellbeing so they can be healthy and resilient to meet life’s challenges.

The foundation runs workshops for youths aged 10 to 18, which are guided by other young people.

Over the past four years Reach has established a strong presence in the Hunter Region.

The organisation has worked with more than 8,000 young people from various schools and communities across the region. 

Reach also has strong ties to Cessnock. The foundation established a local office, which is co-located with Cessnock Youth Centre and Outreach Service (CYCOS).

The upcoming event, which is entitled 'True To Our Roots' is the foundation’s first Hunter fundraiser.

True To Our Roots aims to highlight the commitment made by Reach and support the young people that contribute to the program.

Local produce and local wine will be on show during the event. The fundraiser will include food trucks, live music, raffles, performances, local wine and produce and hosted by a local young person Ashley Fry.

Tickets include food, alcohol, entertainment and inspiration. 

The event runs from 6-10pm and is only open to over-18s. More information can be found online at http://www.reach.org.au/get-involved/true-to-our-roots/