Todd McKenney and Sonia Kruger raise half a million dollars for childhood cancer research
24 May, 2011
Dancing with the Stars' Todd McKenney and Sonia Kruger raised over $500,000 at the 17th annual Children's Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA) Diamond Ball for childhood cancer research.
This year's Diamond Ball held at Sydney's Hilton Hotel on Saturday, 21st May, was the place to be seen, with celebrities such as Rachael Beck, Rhonda Burchmore, socialite Skye Leckie and Mahalia Barnes at the event.
A special auction sold off once-in-a-lifetime items to the highest bidder, including a lunch with Todd McKenney, the new Dancing with the Stars' judge Josh Horner and contestant Brynne Edelsten and husband Geoffrey, which sold for $5,000.
Australia's Got Talent semi-finalist Dan Conway and singing partner Tenielle Musulin, finalist from Australian Idol, launched their new song, The Lighthouse, dedicated to children with cancer. All proceeds from The Lighthouse will go towards childhood cancer research at CCIA.
One of CCIA's strongest corporate allies, Electrolux, raised a massive $185,000 on the night. They were the gold sponsors at the event, donated prizes to the auctions and, most importantly, purchased vital research equipment at this event. This amount made Electrolux the biggest supporter of the 2011 Diamond Ball and CCIA has been overwhelmed by their generosity.
The Diamond Ball is the Institute's signature event: a night-of-nights featuring celebrities, glamour, quality entertainment and an amazing array of auction items.
Todd McKenney, who was co-host for the gala night this year, said, “Diamond Ball is a wonderful opportunity for all Australians to come together and support a good cause.”
“I have a beautiful four year old daughter myself, and to know that another child could be suffering so badly would kill me. That's why I chose to work with Children's Cancer Institute Australia, to help eradicate childhood cancer once and for all.”
Three children lose their battle to cancer every week in Australia and 600 families will be devastated to learn that their child is diagnosed with cancer this year. Childhood cancer is responsible for more deaths than any other children's disease.
Professor Michelle Haber AM, Executive Director Children's Cancer Institute Australia, said “At CCIA we rely heavily on the ongoing support and commitment of the community to continue the Institute's 30 years of world leading research to help save the lives of children with cancer and eliminate their suffering”.
“The funds raised at this year's Diamond Ball will go directly towards the research for childhood cancer including paying for the purchase of cutting edge research equipment, scientist's salaries and laboratory consumables used daily, which will enable our researchers to continue their vital work."
Dan and Tenielle's song, The Lighthouse, can be purchased from www.tenielle.com.au - all proceeds will go towards childhood cancer research at CCIA.
Contact
PR & Communications, Children's Cancer Institute Australia
Ph: (02) 9385 8879 | Email: media@ccia.org.au
Images are available upon request. Photos/filming in the labs can be arranged.
