Introducing The Sapphire Gala 2024
The Sapphire Gala brings a new era in philanthropy supported by a passionate and visionary group of people, dedicated to creating change for sick kids and their families. Presented by The Sapphire Committee and Howard Smith Wharves, The Sapphire Gala will be raising funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation and the paediatric research community.
VENUE PARTNER
Thursday
October 3RD 2024
6pm — 11pm
Rivershed
Howard Smith Wharves
Black Tie
The Sapphire Committee
The Sapphire Committee emulates its namesake jewel, fittingly, Queensland’s official state gem.
Behind the sparkle and style of a sapphire lies true substance with the gemstone possessing unrivalled resilience and strength.
This sentiment applies to the Sapphire Committee, a talented and tireless collective of modern philanthropists who volunteer their time to create meaningful and lasting change for future generations.
The Committee raises funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation to encourage research and innovation, promote a legacy of support and care and make an indelible impact on the children’s health landscape.
The Committee’s always-on approach to philanthropy connects people to a cause, inspiring change and building a community of like-minded, values-driven people.
The Sapphire Committee is:
Elizabeth Benson (Chair) Tim Benson
Sharni Buckner Julia Davey
Bree Hough Geraldine Hore
Kathleen Kedwell Suzie Majer
Jordan Navybox Pip Spiro
Pete Cunningham Kate Greaves
Lil McVay
WHAT WE DO
The Sapphire Committee is creating a new legacy of philanthropy in Queensland.
An always-on calendar of philanthropic activity – crowned by the glittering Sapphire Gala – illustrates the Committee’s innovative approach to fundraising.
The Queensland Children’s Hospital is the Committee’s exclusive beneficiary with donations funding ground-breaking research, cutting-edge equipment and vital in-hospital support.
How we make a difference:
Mary McConnel Career Boost Progra
Female clinician-researchers can apply for one of three annual $50,000 grants to support their careers, with The Sapphire Committee funding the program until 2026. The program provides vital support and financial aid to female researchers, from pre-PhD to early and mid-career stages.
The Sapphire Committee delivers the Mary McConnel Career Boost Program in partnership with DISSH.
ACTION Centre
A $400,000 investment by the Sapphire Committee helped establish the ACTION (Advanced therapies and Clinical Trials InnovatiON) Centre in October 2023. It gives children living with rare diseases and complex illnesses access to cutting-edge treatments and potentially life-changing therapies.
The Ian Frazer Centre for Children’s Immunotherapy Research
The Sapphire Committee invested $100,000 from its inaugural Supper Club event to help establish Australia’s first dedicated children’s immunotherapy research centre. The centre’s mission is to develop breakthrough cancer treatments for children.
The Evening
The Sapphire Gala 2024 will feature a 6pm — 7pm sunset cocktail hour on the lawn with experiential fundraising activities, a premium sit-down dinner hosted by a celebrity MC from 7pm — 11pm as well as live entertainment, auctions and the return of the Sapphire Vault holding exquisite fine jewellery.
Children’s Hospital Foundation
The Children’s Hospital Foundation is the only charity in Queensland that caters to kids with all illnesses, injuries, and conditions.
The Sapphire Committee exists to support the Foundation in making a meaningful and lasting impact on ill and injured children and their families.
The Foundation is the Committee’s exclusive beneficiary, and this partnership ensures that the scope and impact of shared values and innovative philanthropy run far and deep.
The Children’s Hospital Foundation makes a genuine difference in the lives of young Queenslanders by funding crucial equipment, industry-leading research and on-the-ground support.
The Foundation provides more than funds; it offers hope.
Hope of a medical breakthrough. Hope for world-class care. Hope for a speedy recovery. Hope for comfort in challenging times.
Help make a difference today
For more information on the Children’s Hospital Foundation please click here.
“Our vision is for every child to have every chance to thrive. We achieve this by partnering with like-minded individuals who share our vision so we can make a lasting difference for sick kids and their families."
LLYNDSEY RICE — CEO, CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
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