A celebrity chef who suffered serious injuries in a house fire has offered a special prize to help raise funds for the rescue service that saved his life.
Matt Golinski has presented an exclusive dining experience as an auction prize for the upcoming Sunshine Coast LifeFlight Gala.
Mr Golinski suffered major burns in a house fire at Tewantin in 2011 and was airlifted by the Sunshine Coast RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter (then known as the AGL Action Rescue helicopter), from Nambour Hospital to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
He said he was eager to give back to the rescue service help other patients.
“I support LifeFlight because it’s something that is close to my heart,” he said.
“It’s something that I’ve experienced, being in one of those choppers at one point in my life when I needed it.
“I understand what an important service it is for everyone in Queensland.”
The lucky auction prize winner and nine of their friends will experience an expertly cooked meal with fresh ingredients generously donated by White’s IGA, while supporting LifeFlight and its commitment to aeromedical care.
It’s the highly experienced chef’s third time preparing a decadent, exclusive meal as an auction prize for the gala.
“The people who are likely to bid on something like that have also had an experience with LifeFlight so there’s that nice connection there,” he said.
“It’s really generous of them to donate to the cause, and they are often very, very generous with the way they donate, which is really special.”
LifeFlight Sunshine Coast and South Burnett community engagement lead Cassie Grentell said this year’s gala should not be missed.
“We’re celebrating 45 years of LifeFlight servicing South-East Queensland, which is really exciting and of course it’s a big fundraiser,” she said.
“Chef Matt Golinski is incredible for donating to us an exclusive, VIP experience for 10 guests to dine and be cooked for by him out at the airport.
“It just really lifts that experience of dining, having chef Matt and White’s IGA donating.”
The event will be held at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Convention Centre on Saturday, April 20, from 6pm until late.
It’s an excuse for attendees to dress their best and enjoy live performances and the auction, and to support LifeFlight.
The money raised will help fund vital equipment and fit-out for the new LifeFlight Sunshine Coast Aeromedical Hangar.
Ticket sales close on March 21.
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