MS Research Australia's Zoe Chapman visited Kiama last week to accept a cheque for $3000 from Minnamurra Lions Club, the result of the recent AutumnFest.
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As part of the festival, members of the public were invited to Kiss MS Goodbye by registering and kissing their partner for one minute.
"While the numbers were a bit down on what we had hoped, it was our first attempt and the funds will go toward a national program that will go to try and find a cure for MS," event organising committee chairman Ken Magnus said.
Ms Chapman, Kiss Goodbye to MS national campaign manager, thanked Minnamurra Lions for their contribution.
"To date we have raised more than $550,000 nationally through the campaign and every cent goes towards vital research," she said.
"Three-quarters of the people diagnosed are women in their 30s and it is important that we find a cure as soon as we can."
Mr Magnus said plans are already well advanced for next year's AutumnFest, which will be held on Sunday, May 24.
"The first one has set a very strong platform and we will be making next year's bigger and better," Mr Magnus said.
"We will have a Classic Cars and Motorbikes display, carnival rides, quality stalls, pet show and mini jeeps, and that's just for starters."