A charity event with some of the nation’s best winemakers has raised more than $185,000 for SunnyKids, which supports vulnerable families on the Sunshine Coast.
The Maroochy RSL Events Centre was transformed into a wine-lover’s paradise as more 360 Sunshine Coast businesspeople attended a four-course degustation lunch paired with some of Australia’s top wines.
Now in its 11th year, the Travis Schultz Winemakers Master Class has raised close to $1 million since it started.
SunnyKids CEO Kathleen Hope expressed her gratitude for the ongoing support from the event and its positive impact on the community.
“The funds raised from this event will go towards our Village in Schools program, including SunnyKids in Schools and Mentoring Through Sports, which provide a social and emotional safety net for thousands of children and their families,” she said.
“The funds raised allow us to change lives and save lives. This really does help us break the cycle.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and donated to help us make a difference and, of course, for our sponsors – NAB Private Wealth, Travis Schultz and Partners, Mercedes-Benz Sunshine Coast, Toomey Family Law and MiQ Private Wealth.”
Related story: IN PHOTOS: the glamorous event that raised $245k
John Burnie from platinum sponsor NAB Private Wealth said he was thrilled with the turnout and the amount raised.
“As well as offering crisis support for the victims of domestic violence, SunnyKids delivers school-based programs across the Sunshine Coast to build resilience in families facing often quite difficult situations,” he said.
“Government funding doesn’t extend to supporting the work SunnyKids does with these families – that’s where community support through events like this comes in.
“There’s a dividend here for us all. The more supported these families are the stronger our community becomes.”
The event featured some of Australia’s top winemakers, including Barossa Boy, Howard Park Wines, Hugh Hamilton Wines and Mayfield Vineyard, who showcased their wines and took guests through a wine-paired, four-course degustation lunch.
For more information on SunnyKids visit sunnykids.org.au.
Like stories about Sunshine Coast people doing great things? Help us deliver more by registering for our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email at the bottom of this article.