Community & Business
31 March, 2022
Anniversary ball to celebrate Hospital Foundation’s 25 years
THOUSANDS of volunteers for the Cairns and Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation will be getting dazzled up and dancing the night away in June to celebrate their 25th Anniversary Ball.
The Foundation has seen many achievements in the 25 years, donating over $25 million worth of medical equipment, support facilities and support for research and education throughout the Far Northern region.
And to celebrate, volunteers will hit the Pullmans International Hotel in Cairns which will be decked out in purple, shimmer and shine.
Dr Ken Chapman has been the chairman of the Foundation since the beginning and said it has been an incredible experience to watch the foundation grow and form into what it has become today.
“Not just in Cairns but in every hospital right around FNQ where we have local committees raising money for their local hospital,” he said.
“It was certainly tough at the start, but we have built strong businesses in our hospital cafes, car park and vending machines and these pay for all our staff and admin expenses, so every cent of fundraising and donations goes to where it is needed most.
“Therefore, people trust us with their support for our fundraising campaigns and great fundraising events like the QSuper Cardiac Challenge and the Arrow Experience.
“The legacy of results from this are the wonderful paediatric playground and the cardiac catheter lab, service upgrades like the now tertiary level endoscopy unit and state-of-the-art medical equipment not seen outside the capital cities is a real credit to everyone involved.”
CEO Gina Hogan said that the night will see lots of fundraising opportunities for the foundation to help support medical services in the Far North.
She expressed that the volunteers were a key piece of the Foundation framework, with more that 1000 registered “Purple Angels” helping raise the much-needed funds.
“From helping with day-to-day activities in our office, to assisting at our community and fundraising events, volunteers help us to raise vital funds for our hospitals,” she said.
“Our volunteers make visiting the hospital a less daunting and stressful experience by offering support and assistance and the Foundation couldn’t do what we do for the community without the community and we’re grateful for the support and the difference we’re able to make with that support.
“This milestone is for everyone who has been part of the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation journey. We are incredibly proud of what we have been able to achieve. As we celebrate the past, we are looking forward to continuing to be integral to the advancement of health care in FNQ in the years ahead.”
The ball will be held at the Pullman International Hotel on Saturday 4 June. Tickets can be purchased at www.fnqhf.org.au/anniversaryball