Meet Peta O’Brien: Coastrek Ambassador, Raffle Queen & Fundraising Powerhouse
Peta O’Brien isn’t just one of our passionate Coastrek Community Ambassadors—she’s also a fundraising superstar! Since stepping into her first Coastrek event in 2021, Peta has raised over $38,000! While fundraising can feel overwhelming for some, Peta has discovered a formula that works—and she's more than happy to share her secrets!
You've had great success with raffles over the years. Why did you choose that approach?
“I decided to run a raffle because I thought, what would people enjoy? Most are happy to donate to Beyond Blue or support me—but if they can do that and have a chance to win something, it feels like a win-win. Everyone loves the thrill of winning! It’s also really socialable – I’ve had raffle draws at local bowlos and school halls and it just brings everyone together for the final prize draw.”
How did you source your very first prize?
“The first year, a friend with a business kindly donated a prize. That made me wonder—maybe other businesses would want to support my cause too. And they did! I originally planned to offer just three prizes… but ended up with 28. It’s grown over the years and I’ve has many as 70 prizes on offer one year. People have been handing them to me left and right!”
Who do you approach for raffle prizes?
“I like to include a big mix to appeal to everyone—pamper packs, toolkits, hotel stays, even fun prizes for kids. Last year, a girlfriend of mine won the tool package. At first, I thought ‘Oh no!’—but she was thrilled. She paid it forward by sharing the tools with loved ones.”
Any top tips for others wanting to run a raffle?
- Support local - Small businesses are often happy to donate. If they do, give them a shoutout on your socials.
- Don’t be afraid to ask - The worst someone can say is no.
- Get organised - Make sure you have a letter of request and a Fundraising ID from Beyond Blue.
- Share your why - Let people know what you're fundraising for and the impact it makes.
What’s the most you’ve raised through a raffle?
“In 2021, I raised $6,220 just from raffle ticket sales—and that was over just six weeks! We had just come out of Covid and mental health support was made very real for many people so they were keen to support.”
Any tips for the day of the raffle draw?
“Make it a fun, family-friendly event! When people see all the amazing prizes on display, they often buy more tickets on the spot.”
If you didn’t run a raffle, what other fundraising would you try?
“Do what you’re good at, and make it fun! If you knit, sell scarves. I’m a chef, so one year I ran a brownie drive. I also love the idea of a girls’ night in!
This year, I tried a money board—a 1 to 100 board where people buy a number for $10, kind of like a lucky dip. I offered fuel vouchers as prizes and sold out in just two weeks! It’s great because friends from interstate can join in too.”
No matter how you choose to fundraise for Coastrek, Peta’s advice is simple: make it fun, get your community involved, and do what you love. When your heart's in it, people will respond!
Do you have a fundraising story? Contact us HERE so we can inspire others...
