The spirit of community has blossomed in the heart of Camden with residents and local businesses, including the Camden Valley Inn and PNP Constructions, orchestrating a formidable week-long fundraising campaign, amassing $15,000 to catapult a hometown hero onto the international stage.Evan Wulff, 19, who has become a beacon of resilience and determination, has been tendered a dream opportunity to represent Australia in the U18 Men’s Softball World Cup in Mexico, thanks to the collective efforts of his community and the inspiring fundraising initiatives led by the Camden Valley Inn.
Evan’s journey, peppered with both achievement and adversity, has resonated deeply within the Camden community. From treading the local club’s diamond at the tender age of eight, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the sport of softball. A significant setback in 2018, which saw Evan hospitalised for three months due to severe burn injuries, did little to dampen his spirit and resolve. His undeterred dedication, supported by consistent training and encouragement, facilitated a triumphant return to the sport, culminating in his selection for the national team just two years post-recovery.
Expressing his gratitude and excitement, Evan said: “Having the robust support of the Camden Valley Inn and our incredible community has been instrumental in turning my world-stage dreams into reality. The anticipation of competing in Mexico is thrilling, and I’m immensely thankful for every contribution that has made this possible.”
Navigating innovative and heartfelt fundraising avenues, the Camden Valley Inn not only created a Go Fund Me Page but also introduced ‘travel tip jars’ at the bar and pledged a dollar from every chicken schnitzel sale — Evan’s preferred CVI dish — towards funding his journey. Evan himself, interweaving with the community spirit, engaged with patrons at the venue, exchanging stories and spreading his fervour for softball.
L to R: Kayla Seeney, Evan Wulff, Eva Pavlakis, Sandra Duarte, Marcus Pavlakis
Reflecting on the campaign’s success and embodying the community spirit, Kayla Seeney, General Manager of Camden Valley Inn, said: “Being intricately woven into Evan’s journey towards the Men’s Softball World Cup has been profoundly rewarding. Witnessing the community coalesce to uplift one of its promising talents has truly been a heartwarming experience.”
When Co-Founders of PNP Constructions, Marcus and Eva Pavlakis heard about Evan’s story, they quickly jumped on board to help make Evan’s dream a reality. As Camden’s Local Business of the Year and leading NDIS Home Modification Experts, their offer to match the current fundraising effort dollar for dollar, saw Evan reach his goal to fulfil his Softball World Cup dream.
“We were impressed by his passion and determination which aligns with our company’s core values. As a local business leader and member of the community, we believe in supporting the next generation and helping our youth achieve their goals and dreams – this is an incredible opportunity for Evan and there’s nothing more rewarding and inspiring to be selected to represent your country. We wish Evan and the team every success in Mexico and hope he brings home the Gold,” said Marcus Pavlakis, Co-Founder, PNP Constructions.
Evan, now gearing up to don the Junior Steeler’s colours, will unite with his teammates in Australia in early November for preliminary training and warm-up matches. Thereafter, they will embark on their journey to Mexico for final preparations, culminating in the globally renowned World Cup event, scheduled from November 11 to 19.
The tale of Evan Wulff is not merely one of individual tenacity but illustrates the potent power of community, revealing how collective effort can uplift and launch dreams into reality.
