There were families and volunteers, pony rides and jumping castles, neighbours milling about in the sun, listening to music and drinking wine.

It's been an unimaginable two months of grief for the family of Cowes mother Samantha Fraser, who was found dead in her home on July 23.

But after the darkest of days, on Sunday the sun shone and hundreds of Phillip Island locals gathered to raise money for her three children, aged five, seven and nine.

Trevor Fraser at the fundraiser for Cowes mother Samantha Fraser. Credit:Daniel Pockett

Far from a sombre occasion, the normally peaceful roadside resort was abuzz with young families.