Surfers and sponsors of the now-cancelled 2018 Margaret River Pro have thrown their support behind shark attack victim Alex Travaglini, donating a host of prizes to be raffled and auctioned this week.
Gnarabup pub and bistro The Common will host a special fundraiser on Friday evening in aid of the Margaret River man who was attacked by a great white shark in Gracetown on Monday morning.
37-year-old Alejandro Travaglini, or Alex to those who know him, was bitten three times by the 4 metre shark during a morning surf at Cobblestones surf break, north of Margaret River.
The attack saw Mr Travaglini rushed to Royal Perth Hospital by helicopter, where he underwent surgery for his injuries on Monday.
A further operation was carried out on Wednesday evening, and friends say Mr Travaglini will have a long road to recovery ahead.
“Alex will face an indefinite period off work and would like to use his recovery time to work with shark researchers to create deterrent devices,” said Monica Field in a statement on the Go Fund Me page set up for Mr Travaglini and his family.
“He is also hoping to work with experts in the field to study behaviour and find a solution to the increasing number of shark attacks.”
The Go Fund Me page has garnered close to $9000 in donations since being launched on Tuesday, with many of the donors familiar names and businesses in the Margaret River region.
The Common will host the fundraising event to help Mr Travaglini cover his living costs while off work, as well as future operations, physiotherapy, counselling and to fund transportation to Perth to visit specialists.
A range of prizes have been donated by surfers and the WSL as well as event sponsors. Billy ‘Barman’ Phillips will be mixing tiki cocktails and there will be live music from Margaret River’s ripping surf guitar band The Frothers, who will be cranking out surf classics like Miserlou, Hawaii Five-0, Apache, Wipeout and more. Don’t miss this feel-good surf party.
Auction items
John John Florence signed competition surfboard
Jeep Leader Jerseys signed by Julian Wilson and Stephanie Gilmore
First Prize
2 x Air Asia tickets (Perth - Kuala Lumpur return)
Mick Fanning rash vest
Margaret River Pro cap
Second Prize
Filipe Toledo signed competition surfboard
Bronte Macaulay rash vest
Margaret River Pro cap
Third Prize
Ace Buchan signed competition rash vest
World Surf League towel poncho
Raffle tickets ($10 each or 3 for $20) will be for sale on the night and prize winners will be drawn during the evening.
The Common’s Fundraiser for Alex Travaglini will be held this Friday April 20.
The Common opens at 3pm, happy hour is from 5pm to 6pm with $8 pints, $5 chicken wings and $10 pizza, and the auction will take place at 8pm.
For more head to www.facebook.com/thecommonbistro
