Variety Bash participants Denise DeMarchi (left), as Abby Cadabby, and Mark Whatley, as Elmo, on their 1976 Rolls- Royce Silver Shadow
Camera IconVariety Bash participants Denise DeMarchi (left), as Abby Cadabby, and Mark Whatley, as Elmo, on their 1976 Rolls- Royce Silver Shadow Credit: Supplied/Marcus Whisson

Milestone for Bash driver

Liam Ducey, Stirling TimesStirling Times

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Variety Bash, which has raised $20 million for sick WA kids over its lifespan, and Mr Whatley is the only Basher in Australia to take part in every event since its inception.

Ms DeMarchi described her partner as the ‘heart and soul’ of Variety WA, but Mr Whatley says that is a credit he cannot possibly claim, even after 25 years.

‘It’s not about 25 years, it’s not about me at all,’ he said.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

‘It’s about the opportunity to raise funds for children who are less fortunate, who don’t have the comfortable life I had when I grew up, that’s what it’s really about.

‘Outside of the money it’s raised and the camaraderie you get from going away with a group of 200 people on a week-long drive through country WA’