Christmas has come early for the Kids’ Cancer Project with Smartline Cleveland raising $31,232.70 at its annual Christmas in July fundraiser.
Held at the Grand View Hotel on July 21, the event is the seventh and has been described as the biggest and best yet, raising its funds in just five hours with more than 120 guests.
“ Most of the guests that come along and support our small office each year are my local business partners and clients, it really is amazing what a group of people can achieve and the generosity of our local community. A special guest was the founder of the Kids’ Cancer Project Col Reynolds,” Director of Smartline Cleveland Karen Le Comte said.
Ms Le Comte hosted the first Christmas in July event in 2011 after learning that the three year old son of a long term friend and client had been diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a form of cancer that children aged five years and under are most commonly affected by.
Ms Le Comte said she felt compelled to do something special for this boy to lift his spirits while fighting cancer and raise much needed funds to go toward childhood cancer research. The first Christmas in July raised $10,000.
“I was so motivated by this result and humbled by the support of those I knew within our community that I decided I would do this every year and seven years on we have raised a total of $120,264.80 for The Kids’ Cancer Project. We are only a small office of four, but the support we rally makes a big impact,” she said.
The event is supported by some major sponsors including the Grand View Hotel which has provided the venue and catering for the last four years.
“I won’t go anywhere else as long as Ben Brock and his team are still there. Ben has been a major sponsor and supporter since our first event.. The staff and organisation has always been exceptional and Ben always goes the extra mile to collect donations from his suppliers for our raffles and auctions and always ensures we get the most for our money to ensure the maximum amount goes to the charity.”
Other major sponsors include Michael Mrowka and Brent and Gina Upston of the REA Group, Wayne Hartley of Redlands Realty, Melissa and Brett Sherrin of Subzero Projects and Brad Carter of Beachsea Brisbane.
“The Kids’ Cancer Project continues to achieve groundbreaking research milestones to ultimately one day cure childhood cancer. This is an amazing group of people who dedicate their lives to helping sick children and their families make it through this cruel disease. It’s the least we can do to support Karen and the Smartline team with this cause.” Melissa Sherrin said.
Ms Le Comte said the team was already thinking about next year’s event and invited anyone who would like to donate, attend or be involved in any way to get in touch at elecomte@smartline.com.au.
The Kids’ Cancer Project was founded in 1993 by Col Reynolds. Cancer is the leading cause of death of children by disease, with more than 950 children aged zero to 18 years diagnosed each year. More on www.thekidscancerproject.org.au
Individuals and businesses who donated to this year’s tally include Punjab Curry Club, Sunwing Kamala Beach, V.Rodriguez Draws - - Tattoos, Destination Thailand Travel, Tangalooma Resort, Manathai Resort Khao Lak, Legrand Australia, Dream Makeover, VAST Furniture and Homewares, Integra Water, Revelations in Hair Design, tennis player John Millman, The Cupcake Effect, Bankwest, Wealth Connexion, Succulents make me Smile, Craig and Jenny Burgess, Artistic Hair Design, The Barber’s Chair, Samantha Sherrin of Cineplex, ANZ Small Business and Residential, Antech Constructions, Mark Blandford, Westpac, Natalie and Brett Gardner, Granite Highlands Maxi Tours, Ridgemill Estate Winery, Smartline Queensland head office, Thai Siam, DJ Grewar and Co, Stephanies Vintage Spa, Sirromet Winery, Dean and Kerry Roche of DR Transport Pty Ltd, Gifts to a Door, Specsavers Browns Plains, CBA d and City Rubber, Tyres and More.
