The Rippers Summer Drinks 2026
January 27, 2026
Cottage by the Sea fundraising group The Rippers held their annual Summer Drinks function at the Queenscliff facility last Saturday January 24 and raised $11,300 for the children’s charity.
“The Rippers help facilitate and enable support for Cottage across their far-reaching business and social networks. Their events are always packed full of fun and, most importantly, raise vital funds to help more children enjoy a break at Cottage,” said Adam Wake, CEO Cottage by the Sea.
"Saturday's event was a ripper one, as always," shared Cathie Vickers-Willis, The Rippers Committee Member. More than 100 “Rippers” joined in the celebrations at Cottage, admiring the scenic views over Port Philip Bay.
Guests enjoyed celebrity chef and author Matt Preston's “Gimlet Sonic” cocktail recipe. “This is the sixth year in a row that Matt has created a cocktail recipe for the Rippers Summer Drinks,” shared Ian Cover OAM, Cottage Ambassador and The Rippers Co-convenor.
A successful raffle took place using the famous Rippers Spinning Wheel, while Cover and fellow Cottage Ambassador and The Rippers Co-convenor Phil de Fégely ran a spirited auction.
One Rippers member who did a brilliant job bidding was the successful purchaser of the #1 Green Brick from Cottage’s Riptide Green Brick appeal. This appeal is in celebration of Cottage’s new Riptide facility, which will be launched next month.
The Rippers thank all the generous auction prize sponsors, bidders, raffle ticket buyers and donors for supporting this event. All funds raised will go directly to Cottage by the Sea’s life-changing children’s programs.
