Hundreds to Benefit from Special Event
Over $14,000 raised at exclusive cocktail reception and auction hosted at The Sir Henry Royce Foundation Showrooms
Mr. Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher, shares hope for the difference that Australians can make to those who are less fortunate.
BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND (23 SEPTEMBER 2020) — Just over 70 guests enjoyed a cocktail “evening of empowerment” together at the Sir Henry Royce Foundation Showrooms in Coolum Beach Queensland on Saturday 19th September 2020, thanks to the gracious hospitality of one of the Trustees, Frank Carroll. Amid lots of lively chatter, laughter and an exquisite eight course meal prepared by our hostess, Joan Carroll, over $14,000 was raised on behalf of World Hope International’s (WHI) Hope Fund. Awareness of two WHI social ventures, TapEffect clean & affordable water solutions and Thera Metrey – Mushroom House livelihood, was also raised.
Mike Woodrow, WHI Board Director and entrepreneur, kept the night moving along as Master of Ceremonies in concert with Sam and Marnie Noble, who provided the evening’s entertainment while Sam also called the auction. WHI Australia CEO, Ruth Thomas, greeted guests and provided the call to action with insights and information on the community-based development work of WHI in Cambodia, which has received funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Guests strolled the showroom, full of vintage and British classic cars — including the ex-Australian Government 1967 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine, used for carriaging royalty. A chauffeured drive to Montville for 6 in this vehicle, with a stop for a complimentary morning tea, was not only the highlight of the auction, but induced the most fervent round of bidding. A last-minute mystery auction item created a bidding frenzy as well, with one guest walking away with what was revealed as a customised Hope Rolls letterbox. Other items included a mobile phone package from Vonex Ltd, a major sponsor of WHI, as well as family passes to Wildlife HQ Zoo and Tree Top Challenge, a half hour drive on the Big Kart Track, two nights glamping in a luxurious King Safari tent thanks to Ingenia Holidays Rivershore and an overnight package in a 5 Star Spa Suite at Bli Bli House.
The power of small business like Thera Metrey – Mushroom House and TapEffect engaged the interest of those attending, who saw the positive impact of affordable clean water and livelihood solutions for vulnerable communities.
Some of those attending the event commented that it was, “So good to see projects continuing when so many things are stopping,” and that, “Every life matters and I can see how I can do something to change one person’s life.” Another observed that “Helping women helps the whole family. Helping the family helps the whole country.”
Mr. Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher, addressed the guests in a moving speech.
“2020 has been the hardest year of many Australians’ lives. We cannot underestimate the challenges that so many of us have faced. However, for many people living in countries like Cambodia, Sierra Leone, or Liberia, COVID-19 is only the most recent in a lifetime of challenges as they fight to stay healthy, feed their families and build a better future for themselves.
In my work I have seen the difference that Australians can make to those who are less fortunate. World Hope International give individuals, families and communities the basic resources they need to build a better life for themselves. Your donations to World Hope International will make a big difference for people who are just like us, but who are struggling with a global pandemic in countries without the same safety net that we are lucky enough to enjoy.”
It was a greatly encouraging evening full of information, advocacy, fundraising and inspiration for the local community and Indo-Pacific development opportunities.
###
For media queries, please contact:
Heather Hill
WHI Director, Communications & Marketing
heather.hill@worldhope.org
+1 (703) 923-9414
AN ORGANISATION YOU CAN TRUST.
Please note that in the unlikely event a specific appeal becomes overfunded, surplus funds will be redirected towards a similar relief or community development project.