Mayor’s Charity Ball smashes records

The 2022 Mayor’s Charity Ball, which had a disco theme this year, was held at the MECC last month and smashed records.

The Ball raised a record amount of $135,121.80, with its turnover and success once again meaning GST of $13,512.18 is payable.

That leaves a bottom-line profit of $121,609.62, to be split equally between this year’s two beneficiaries.

HeartKids Mackay and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), which is building a Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital, will each receive $60,804.81.

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was a wonderful night at the MECC, with a record crowd of 434 in attendance.

“Everyone there had a great time, and it was good to see big crowds enjoying themselves at an event 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 raised were boosted by two Foo Fighter guitars, signed by band members, including drummer Taylor Hawkins, who died recently, which went for $20,000 each in the live auction on the night.

“But there was generous bidding throughout the live and online auctions, which helped come up with this magnificent tally."

The funds were announced and officially presented to representatives of HeartKids Mackay 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.

HeartKids Queensland state manager Holly Williams said the aim of the organisation was to make a real and lasting impact for the Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) community here in Mackay.

“We are extremely grateful for the amazing sponsors, organisers, and attendees of the 2022 Mackay Mayors Ball,’’ she said.

“Their generosity affords HeartKids the opportunity to seek to give every child, teenager, and adult in Mackay with congenital or childhood acquired heart disease a fighting chance to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.

“Our support is a commitment for life because there is no known cure. People with congenital heart disease face unique challenges for their entire life.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia chief executive officer Tamara South was delighted with the announcement of the funds raised for charity.

“Our sincerest thanks to Mayor Greg Williamson for selecting Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia as one of the beneficiaries of the 2022 Mayor’s Charity Ball,’’ she said.

“The funds raised from this event will make a vital difference to the construction of our Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay.

“It will have a real, positive impact on the lives of seriously ill children and their families.”

Platinum partners for the 2022 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 and Champ. Bronze sponsors were Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure, Shoal Point Waters by Pointglen and Mortar Finance.

Media partners included 7 News Mackay, Daily Mercury, Hit 100.3 and Triple M 98.7, as well as Tropical Exposure.

Inkind assistance was also provided by Signarama, In The Booth and photographer Daryl Wright, of Wricor Photography.