While the weather was warm enough for many a spectator to choose short-sleeved attire, the winter sun made it no more pleasant for the 16 people being dunked in an ice-cold tank of water for charity.

The third annual Big Dunk, a fundraiser for motor neurone disease on July 19, honoured the memory of Shepparton’s Karen Gladigau at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, following seven games of football staged there on the day.

While a final total hasn’t yet been tallied, organisers say this year’s event has raised more than $10,000, surpassing last year’s $9500 total.

“I’m incredibly lucky to have so many amazing friends and to be part of such a beautiful community,” Karen’s husband Dean Gladigau said.

“The day was so special.

“Karen would have been incredibly proud, yet, in true Karen fashion, she would have been extremely embarrassed to be the centre of attention.”

The event was instigated by Mooroopna Junior Football Club’s Michelle Marsters (and Karen’s friend) after Karen died of MND in February 2024.

Michelle modelled the concept on the AFL’s Big Freeze event, and brought it together with her club and Karen’s former workplace, the Shepparton Women’s Health Centre, along with Dean and support from other league clubs and local businesses and service clubs.

Dunkees dressed up in drip for their drops, with costumes from giant homemade Tic-Tac containers to local and national football stars, and movie and gaming characters, including Toy Story’s Sheriff Woody, Super Mario Bros.’ Mario and The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Jack Skellington, among others.

One of Karen and Dean’s two sons, Mitchell Gladigau, stepped up to the dunk tank dressed as fictional boxer Rocky Balboa, before his dad hit the target on his first handball of the footy sending him quickly to the icy depths.

Money was raised in several ways on the day, including a silent auction, raffle and sale of MND awareness merchandise.

To donate to MND Victoria through Karen’s legacy page, visit tinyurl.com/s4e78rue.

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Friday, 18th August 2028

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