By Josh Bartlett
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MORE than 320 people reached out to help a Highlands family in need on Saturday night. There was a full house in the Mittagong RSL auditorium for the first Reaching 4 Korina fundraiser.
The Reaching 4 Korina campaign was launched to raise funds for young Yerrinbool mother Korina Valentine, who has Toxic Shock Syndrome.
Mrs Valentine, 28, was hospitalised in April following a bacterial attack. The infection's severity led to the amputation of her arms below the elbow, one leg near her hip, and the other leg below her knee, as well as damage to her face and skin.
Money was raised to fund a specialised wheelchair for Mrs Valentine. Mrs Valentine's father Chris Roberson said a final tally wouldn't be available until next week, but the money raised was "well and truly above what we expected." Mr Roberson said the fundraising committee had also received a $5000 donation from an anonymous source.
"It is tremendous and the support on Saturday night was quite overwhelming for us," he said. "Money raised exceeded what we had discussed, so it was really good."
Mrs Valentine is still in Concord Repatriation General Hospital, but her family attended on Saturday night. Mrs Valentine's husband Daniel, their children Hayden (3) and Amelia (11 months) were among the special guests at the fundraiser.
The event was well attended by Highlands residents and visitors from as far as Queensland and Melbourne. Highlights of the night included a presentation by Professor Simon Finfer from the Royal North Shore Hospital, who spoke about toxic shock syndrome. Entertainment was provided by local act David Newman and Pears.
Mr Valentine thanked everyone who attended on Saturday night.
"It's pretty overwhelming the support that we've had - we really appreciate it."
o The next Reaching 4 Korina fundraiser will be held at Bunnings Warehouse Mittagong in February 2016.
For more information, visit www.reaching4korina.com.au