Starry Starry Night guests dug deep to raise $1,000,000 to support The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, at the Foundation's 16th annual gala fundraising ball at Crown’s Palladium Ballroom on Saturday night.
More than 1000 guests, including the Foundation Chairman John Bertrand AM, Founding Patron Walter Mikac and some of Australia's biggest names in television, sport and entertainment came together for an evening of swing music and big band glamour to support The Foundation's work keeping children safe from violence and bullying.
A highlight of the night was a performance by Richmond players Jack Riewoldt, Dylan Grimes, Daniel Jackson and Steve Morris, who sung “Minnie the Moocher” with Australian media personality, Geoff Cox.
During the night, Richmond and its joint major sponsor, Jeep, pledged a total of $24,000 to support the Foundation’s Buddy Bag program.
“Richmond is committed to supporting the Foundation. Importantly, the money raised during the pledge will allow many children who have been affected by violence to receive a Buddy Bag, which contains essential items for children who are placed into emergency care,” said Richmond’s CEO Brendon Gale.
The Foundation CEO Dr Judith Slocombe was delighted with the fundraising result.
"It's been an amazing night. We are absolutely thrilled with the generosity of everyone who attended and supported this year's Starry Starry Night,” Dr Slocombe said.
“The funds raised will go towards our valuable programs which help to keep children across Australia safe from violence and bullying.”
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation is a national charity which focuses on protecting children from violence and creating behaviour change in the community, to reduce bullying and cyberbullying. Starry Starry Night is the Foundation's major fundraising event.
The Foundation was set up in memory of Alannah and Madeline Mikac, aged six and three, who were tragically killed with their mother and 32 others at Port Arthur, Tasmania, on April 28, 1996.
Stars align for The Alannah and Madeline Foundation
Starry Starry Night guests dug deep to raise $940,000 to support The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, at the Foundation's 16th annual gala fundraising ball at Crown’s Palladium Ballroom on Saturday night.