The CVIAQ has raised more than $165,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland at its annual President's Charity Dinner on May 31
The Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Queensland (CVIAQ) President’s 12th annual Charity Dinner, on May 31, has raised a record amount of over $165,000 in aid of the Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland.
The charity dinner, held at Brisbane City Hall, featured unique auction items encouraging large bids from the supportive crowd. ‘Goldie’ the Southern Cross Mack Titan, parked in King George Square for the evening, attracted plenty of attention and sold for $405,000 with Mack Trucks donating the profit to the Foundation.
‘Goldie’ was released last year to celebrate Mack’s 50th anniversary of production in Australia. It’s a one-of-a-kind 685hp truck, its brilliant gold cab representing the rugged Australian outback.
A long-time Mack fan, who wishes to remain anonymous, was ecstatic to add the iconic truck to his collection following a successful bid during the dinner.
Also up for auction was a $10,000 Australasian Transport News and Owner//Driver advertising package, donated by the magazines’ publisher Bauer Trader Media.
The Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Bill Petch, says he was delighted that nearly 300 hundred people attended the evening, contributing to the record fundraising amount.
“Since its inception in 2002, the partnership between the Foundation and CVIAQ has raised over $1.25 million to support patients and families affected by blood cancer,” Petch says.
“We are delighted to once again be the beneficiary of the President’s Charity Dinner and look forward to continuing this valued partnership which has helped us to provide support services free-of-charge to patients as well as funding further investment in medical research.”
Guests were entertained by hosts Lexy Hamilton-Smith and Rupert McCall along with songstress Amber Lawrence.
In recognition of the strong support CVIAQ has provided over the years, the Foundation granted naming rights to one of its patient transport vehicles and the auditorium at the Leukaemia Foundation’s Clem Jones-Sunland patient accommodation village in Coopers Plains, Brisbane.
The Foundation has also displayed a plaque in its ESA village in Dutton Park, Brisbane, in recognition of the sponsorship CVIAQ provided for the construction of the village.
The Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland is a not-for-profit organisation that receives no ongoing government funding, relying on the generosity and support of individuals, sponsors and business partnerships throughout Queensland to continue its work.
The Foundation dedicates around $1.3 million to medical research each year.
Vice President Sales – Mack Trucks, Dean Bestwick, says Mack and its customers are proud to support a charity that provides vital assistance to people living with leukaemia, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders throughout Queensland.
“Cancer has touched the lives of many people within our organisation. It’s really important that we show our support to those who’ve been affected by the disease,” Bestwick says.
Mack Trucks attends the CVIAQ President’s Charity Dinner each year, an industry event which allows manufacturers and suppliers of commercial vehicles to come together for a great cause.