Over $60,000 for the community
The Wirrpanda Foundation's annual fundraising dinner resulted in a huge total raised for its community programs
PHOTOS: Click here to view photos from the event
David Wirrpanda and the foundation role models were joined by nearly 350 guests for a magical night with special guests and spectacular entertainment showcasing the foundation’s award-winning programs, some amazing Aboriginal talent and giving everyone a chance to celebrate the work of the foundation over the past 12 months.
Throughout the night, guests were treated to performances by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander performers, including Delta Oui, The Merindas and The Dulcitones, as well as mentors from the foundation taking part in a Q and A session, with guests blown away by the level of commitment to the community, and the insight from the mentors' raw and powerful messages.
A live and silent auction also took place, and guests threw their support behind the event, with $18,000 alone coming for a 16.07-carat opal pendant which was the standout of 98 opals donated by Tony and Julie Elwood who have supported the foundation for many years.
Special guests included Mr Ken Wyatt MP representing the Hon. Tony Abbott MP, Hon. Peter Collier MLC, Hon. Dr Kim Hames, Hon. Stephen Dawson MP, Ms Josephine Farrer MLA , Hon. Alanna Clohesy MLC and the Hon. Dr Ken Michael.
Other guests included a number of the foundation’s mentors in former West Coast Eagles players David Hynes and Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, former Fremantle Dockers Troy Cook and Dale Kickett, West Coast Fever netballer Josie Janz as well as this year’s Miss NAIDOC Perth winner Ashlea Walley.
David Wirrpanda said that the gala dinner is an opportunity for the foundation to showcase and celebrate its programs, team and achievements in the community, and was blown away yet again by the huge total raised.
“The foundation is extremely fortunate to have such incredible supporters who support us year after year.”