Darling Downs LifeFlight supporters dug deep and smashed a fundraising record, at a spectacular Gala event celebrating the aeromedical service’s critical role in the region.
With almost 650 guests in attendance, the LifeFlight Toowoomba Gala presented by Granite Belt Brewery raised more than $747,000 – breaking last year’s previous record of more than $470,000.
“Every year the community steps up and supports LifeFlight and the ball is the ultimate expression of that,” said LifeFlight Foundation Board non-executive Director and South West Honorary Ambassador Mike Stewart.
Vanessa and Mark Richards were among several guests who have experienced first-hand the difference RACQ LifeFlight Rescue makes in a critical medical emergency.
Their son Emmett was urgently flown from Warwick Hospital to Toowoomba, after he became seriously unwell with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), when he was two years old.
“When the helicopter came we were just so relieved. For the first time we sort of felt confident that our son may be okay, because at that stage we had become very aware that we were very close to losing him,” mum Vanessa said.
“Thanks to the LifeFlight crew we now have a very boisterous four-year-old who’s very entertaining,” she said.
“We’re very grateful for the opportunity to celebrate with the LifeFlight team tonight, and then go home and cuddle our little boy – thanks to them.”
Zac Wells, who survived being run over by a steam roller while at work near Roma, also shared his story with the crowd, helping bring the impact of the service to life.
Several helicopter crew members including doctors and pilots, were also able to join in the celebrations and share inspiring stories with attendees.
“Our job’s pretty confronting at times and this is a time where we can see the community, talk to them, chat with past patients and get a feel for how appreciated the whole service is within the community at large,” RACQ LifeFlight Rescue pilot Dave Hampshire said.
Guests were treated to a glamorous night of festivities, including live entertainment by The Filthy Animals, dancing and a two course meal featuring ingredients donated by local businesses.
Planned and organised by the LifeFlight Darling Downs Regional Advisory Committee with the LifeFlight Foundation, the event was held at The Goods Shed for the first time, allowing for a crowd of almost 650 people.
The region’s generous spirit was on show as attendees enthusiastically supported a variety of fundraising activities including a pledge to support the LifeFlight First Minutes Matter trauma training program, raffles and auctions.
One guest also went home with a pair of earrings valued at $13,870 after being the lucky winner of the Ryley Jewellery Creations Balloon Pop.
A service agreement with the Queensland Government, the sponsorship of RACQ and innovative profit-for-purpose social enterprises all contribute to pay for this vital service, however, RACQ LifeFlight Rescue relies on the community to help make up a significant funding shortfall each year.
Key supporters, including Save A Life Sponsors and Fuelies were also acknowledged for their ongoing generosity.
LifeFlight thanks the key event sponsors, who helped make the night a success: Presenting Partner Granite Belt Brewery, Entertainment Partner iOR, Platinum Partners Ensign, MPC Kinetic, G&K Lawson Constructions PTY LTD, NTI, Morpheus Energy Services, Savanna, Shine Lawyers, Black Truck & Ag, Ventia and Pickles Mining, and Silver Partners MFE, R&D Accounting and Greenridge Group.
