April 8, 2014
Kingaroy’s first Police Charity Ball for seven years has been hailed a big success with 250 people filling the Kingaroy Town Hall on Saturday night for a three-course dinner and charity auction.
The Kingaroy Rotary Club had been hoping to raise up to $40,000 for two palliative care units and, although final figures aren’t yet available, the initial feedback suggests they may have made the target.
The idea for the fundraiser came from Kingaroy resident Anne Sternberg who joined with Dr Nova Evans and Richard Fahy, from Orana, to approach Kingaroy Rotary.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington read a moving letter from Mrs Sternberg to the assembled guests.
Mrs Sternberg’s mother Joan Ward died in May last year from melanoma. And although the family has no problems with the level of care she received, there was simply not enough room for her family to be with her.
During her last few nights, family members took turns staying with her as there was only a single recliner in the room.
“The care she received was excellent but a dedicated palliative care unit is necessary in Kingaroy,” the letter continued.
Mrs Sternberg and her husband Trevor made a promise to her mother that she would try to make this happen.
“Anne’s letter has inspired this fundraising drive to make two palliative care units at Orana a reality. You have my full support,” Mrs Frecklington said.
The Charity Police Ball also helped to celebrate the sesquicentenary of the Queensland Police and there was a “police theme” for the evening, with the menu being prepared by local prosecutor Sgt Wayne Bushell, who took holiday leave to make the night a reality.
Special guests at the dinner included Acting Police Superintendent Michael Bianchi and Assistant Police Commissioner Tony Wright.
An auction during the evening attracted bids for a range of sporting memorabilia, but one of the most popular items was a Castrol advertising sign.
- Related article: Police To Have A Ball For Charity
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