Guests at Saturday night’s Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation Bear by Night Ball have helped raise over a quarter of a million dollars to fund a major Stitches’ Megazone Makeover to upgrade games, renovate tired areas and provide vital play facilities and supplies for the Hospital’s unique play area.
With the theme of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, a marquee on James Oval at the University of Western Australia was transformed into a forest wonderland. The Ball, which was hosted by Channel Ten’s Narelda Jacobs, saw VIP guests dress up in fairy, fantasy or formal attire with entertainment by the one and only Kate Ceberano, plus Perth’s own Howie Morgan.
The Foundation’s new CEO Donald McLean said: “The Bear by Night Ball is our premier event for the year and we could not do it without the support of our sponsors, donors and, of course, our loyal guests who keep coming back year after year.
“The Ball will help refurbish and equip the Hospital’s incredible Megazone play area with toys, games and activities, which will help bring smiles to the faces of West Australian children.”
PMH Foundation provided an initial $2.3 million grant to build the Megazone. The Foundation, through many partnerships, now contributes over $150,000 annually to provide staff and equipment for the Megazone. In the last year, over 15,000 people visited the play area and benefited from the fun and therapeutic environment, where patients can be children first, not just sick children.
Highlights of the Ball included a major auction featuring a spectacular seven-day voyage onboard the highly acclaimed Kimberley Quest II, plus an exclusive two-day interior design consultation with Jason Sullivan and Leonie Edwards from the homemade reality renovation show.
Guests also dug deep to raise money for the 'PMH Wish'. Over 30 guests contributed $90,000 to fund six portable intensive care monitors valued at $15,000 each, which help transport critically ill babies to PMH for treatment. Two companies donated $15,000 each (Kalgoorlie Diamond Jewellers and Interior Building Solutions), and Paul and Sarah Nash donated $30,000 for two units.
The 2009 Bear by Night Ball was proudly supported by Mustard Catering, MadFish Fine Wines, Gage Roads Brewing, Axis Financial Group and Kalgoorlie Diamond Jewellers.