In a time when most theatre companies rely on Government grants or struggle to make ends meet, one small Hills theatre group has succeeded in giving to charity and their community.

“In the last ten years we have assisted in raising in excess of $100,000 to help either the Hanson Institute or our local community,” said Holly Holliday, TOTT President.

The combined fundraising activities of Top of the Torrens Theatre Group and the “Strolling Tones” have raised over $78,000 for prostate and breast cancer research at the Hanson Institute.

In 2004, the groups combined with Terry and Gloria Seymour to produce “Wipeout – Breast and Prostate Cancer”.

This variety show toured Tanunda, Mt Pleasant and Mannum raising $55,000.

Terry lost his battle with prostate cancer last year but his fundraising efforts live on. A cheque for $17,500 presented this month to the Hanson Institute’s Professor Howard Morris continued this legacy.

Local organisations have not missed out on the charity of TOTT either, with the Mt Pleasant CFS, Mt Pleasant Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, Mt Pleasant, Gumeracha, and Mannum Hospitals, Tungkillo Progress Club, Abbeyfield Nursing Home and even the local pony club benefiting from the success of the Theatre Group.

In addition to this, when TOTT pay for the catering for their Theatre Restaurant shows, this money can be ‘earned’ by local groups by them volunteering with waitressing and kitchen help.

“It is a wonderful, truly community focused group of people who just love producing quality theatre performances”, said Kristina Vonow, TOTT Publicity Officer.

TOTT’s next theatre restaurant show in November, the country and western comedy, “Desperadoes” can be booked by phoning Elaine Day on (08) 8568 5337.

Professor Howard Morris from the Hanson Institute receiving a cheque of $17,500 from Top of the Torrens Theatre Group, Vice-President, Gloria Seymour and President, Helen Holliday.