MORE than $60,000 in raffle prizes have been handed out to lucky Far North Queenslanders who supported improving health services in the region.
Tickets in the prizes in the BDO Arrow Experience raffle and walk of the arrows of Mt Whitfield went towards the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s Donate for DaNi campaign – a visionary campaign to raise $4.3 million for a surgical robot (aka DaNi).
Coral Expeditions Spice Islands cruise winner Marg Endres said she had never won anything anywhere near a $42,000 cruise.
“I’ve won a few jackpots on the pokies, but nothing like this,” Mrs Endres said.
“I’m a sucker for raffle tickets. We visit the hospital a few times a week and I think I bought three tickets, but I never expected to win,” she said.
Francis O’Shea won a $15,000 package from Status Plus – again, never expecting to win.
“I buy tickets from my friend (volunteer) Pauline Bent all the time – we play bowls together and I always ask her what tickets she has for sale this time. I never thought I’d win anything, so this is a complete surprise,” Ms O’Shea said.
Foundation Fundraising and Marketing Manager Glenys Duncombe said all tickets in the raffle went towards the BDO Arrow Experience total of more than $82, 000.
“We always have a great response to our raffles – this was our largest prize pool to date and we had huge support with many people buying $500 bundles of tickets,” Mrs Duncombe said.
Coral Expeditions Commercial Director Jeff Gillies said the Foundation was an organisation the business admired and felt motivated to support.
“Each year, they put in an incredible amount of work to raise money for initiatives that benefit our community’s health and well-being,” Mr Gillies said.
"2024 marks our third year as the major prize sponsor, and we're thrilled to offer an enriching voyage to Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands. Knowing it brings joy to the winners and supports fundraising for a worthy cause makes it even more special. We are proud of the fundraising contributions made and have again enjoyed our partnership this year. The Coral Expeditions team is already looking forward to next year's activities and how we can provide greater support and value,” he said.
Status Plus director Ash Balderson said he was grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of something special. “The dynamic team at the Foundation is truly dedicated and extremely passionate – we are blessed to have them in our community. Status Plus is a local business and here for our whole community,” Mr Balderson said.
The third prize of $5000 worth of fuel was won by FB with ticket number W1983.
Photos:
TOP: John and Marg Endres with Coral Expeditions Commercial Director Jeff Gillies
Bottom: Francis O'Shea with Status Plus director Ash Balderson and team.
