Stunning pallet-based furniture and artworks will help the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation buy equipment for cancer patients.
SeaFM's The Power of Pallets Auction and Cocktail Party on Saturday night raised more than $20,000 in an action-filled night of fun, food, dancing, secret bids and celebrity star-power.
Event founder Kate Fern said she was thrilled that such a good outcome resulted from months of hard work by everyone involved.
“I actually know quite a few people personally who are going through a cancer experience at the moment so this is really pertinent for us that the money is going to cancer services this year,” Ms Fern said.
Funds are still being tallied but this year's outcome definitely outshines the previous two events, she said.
“Jamie Durie and his local brother and his family had a great time and Jamie had a great time getting to know the locals, posing for thousands of selfies,” Ms Fern laughed.
The most expensive item bought on the night was the Game of Thrones chair made by the team from The Deckstore, which went to an anonymous buyer for about $2000. Other items on the night fetched up to $600 and $800 each, she said.
Prizes were awarded by Lords Insurance Services for the highest fundraiser (Game of Thrones chair) and Jamie Durie and Sue Cooper from LJ Hooker Yorkeys Knob announced the winners of the best items on the night as Eden and Wade (Business entry), Gordonvale High School (School), Babinda Men's Shed (Community Group) and Steven Hutchins (Individual).
Other highlights on the night were an opening dance by Tribal Pacific, book signings of Jamie Durie's new book Living Room and dancing to a live band after the auction.
Foundation fundraising co-ordinator Nicole Gibson said the night was a great way for the community to come together and share their skills, have fun, while fundraising for a local cause.
“We all know someone who is affected by cancer and we at the Foundation are always working hard to bring equipment to this region that we wouldn't otherwise have here,” Ms Gibson said.
“The community holding events like this, help us make a difference to people's lives,” she said.
