Local charity event cracks $1 million milestone

The Ball was formerly organised by Sunrise Rotary Club of Mackay and raised about $600,000 over 15 years before the reins were handed over to council, the MECC and a community committee.

It has since raised about $410,000, including about $91,000, to be split between two local charities, earlier this month at the MECC.

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was an amazing achievement and something all the community could celebrate.

“Cracking the $1 million mark is a credit to the event planning committee and all the amazing sponsors we have on board,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The goal of the event is to support local charities, who are sometimes overlooked by state and federal funding but are in desperate need of funds,” he said.

“This year’s funds have been split equally between Australian Street Aid Project and Ronald McDonald House Charities Mackay Family Room, with each receiving $45,529.01.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) are planning to use the funds to assist with operational costs of the RMHC Family Room in Mackay and Australian Street Aid Project will use the funds to help support people experiencing homelessness in the Mackay region.

Mayor Williamson said the event was a wonderful night at the MECC, with a record crowd of 440 in attendance.

“Everyone there had a great time, and it was good to see big crowds enjoying themselves at an event of this calibre again in Mackay,’’ he said.

“This event keeps going from strength to strength each year and that is thanks to our organising committee, which includes representatives of the community, council and the MECC, our generous corporate sponsors, and our community.”

The funds were announced and officially presented to representatives of Australian Street Aid Project and Ronald McDonald House Charities at a council morning tea today to thank all sponsors.

Sponsors were also presented with certificates of appreciation for their support.

Platinum partners for the 2023 Mayor’s Charity Ball included long-term sponsor DGH Engineering, Fergus Builders and Daly Bay.

Gold sponsors were Allure Laser and Skin Studio, Southern Cross Industrial Group, Key Solutions Group, BMA and Champ, as well as Bronze sponsor Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure.

Media partners included 7 News Mackay, Daily Mercury, Hit 100.3 and Triple M, as well as Tropical Exposure.

In-kind assistance was also provided by Signarama, Twilight Events, Mifsud’s Fresh Fruit Barn and photographer Daryl Wright, of Wricor Photography.