Press Release

Thanks to the kind people at Republic The following has been composed and released. I am grateful to Maryanne for her patience with dealing with someone new to PR. She did a fantastic job.
Thank-you!

COOKBOOK INSPIRES COMMUNITY TO RAISE FUNDS FOR BUSHFIRE VICTIMS.
DATE 2011: We can’t do everything, but everyone can do something. This is the philosophy for Heather Samsa who grew up in the bushfire affected town of Marysville, and is pulling out all stops to raise much needed funds for disaster stricken locals and businesses in the community.

On Saturday 7th February 2009, now known as Black Saturday, saw the state of Victoria devastated by uncontrollable bushfires. Many towns were wiped from the map, thousands of buildings were lost and 173 people perished.

The devastation of Marysville was almost total. Heather Samsa’s family who still reside in Marysville witnessed the devastation first hand and were lucky enough to save their house, but most of the town were not this fortunate.

One local lady inspired Heathers fundraising journey after she discovered that her mother’s jam recipe did not survive the bushfire, and she could not remember how to make it. In a time when most people feel helpless, Heather decided not only to donate, but to take it one step further.

“I realised that Marysville did not need or want money but something from the heart, something that was just for them and that is how i came up with the idea of the Marysville Cookbook” said Heather Samsa.

“Originally the idea was for me to just produce and print some books and give them to the local residents. My total budget of $2550 produced 300 cookbooks for local residents, $750 of that donated from generous construction businesses and the remainder from my own pocket”

“I am forever thankful to the local businesses Prespa Cabinets of Epping, Makedonia Furniture in Preston and Rendis Builders in Preston who made generous donations in the first run of cookbooks” said Heather

It soon became clear to Heather that people wanted to buy the books so they could also do their part. Heather then commissioned a second print run and the book is now for sale at $30.00 with $10 from each and every book, returned back to the town through various community ventures.

“As of the 4th of March 2011, the amount of $3480 has been raised and given back to various community groups in the town and I am absolutely thrilled that I could give to these people emotionally and financially” said Heather

“The Marysville cookbook is not your average cookbook; it contains recipes that have been handed down from my Nanna and my mother, as well as a few of my own! These recipes are mostly old-fashioned, simple and wholesome recipes that don’t require a great deal of attention or hard work”

“The 165 page book, also contains a message of hope for Marysville residents, a special thankyou to emergency personnel and 28 pages of photos of the old Marysville taken by residents both past and present”

Marysville Bowls and Golf Club, Marysville Anglican Guild, Marysville and District Cricket Club, Marysville Football and Netball Club and Marysville Kindergarten and Primary School are amongst some of the lucky recipients of the proceeds from the Marysville Cookbook so far.

Updates on sales and where the money is going, along with recipes from the book can be found at the Marysville Cookbook Blog (www.marysvillecookbook.blogspot.com/) or you can purchase the book at www.marysvillecookbook.com/ to support this fantastic cause and do your part for the Marysville Community.

MEDIA CONTACT: LJ LOCH 0439 633 429 or ljloch@republic.net.au

This recipes along with many other family favourites are in the Marysville Cookbook, you too can own a copy for $35 anywhere in Australia. $10 from EACH AND EVERY sale helps the community of Marysville rebuild from the devastation of the Black Saturday Fires of February 2009
Marysville Cookbook
As at the 18th February 2011 - $3,480.00, has been raised, and given back to Marysville through various community/educational groups

Thank-you