For 34 years, a simple game of bingo has helped deliver hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment and support for Atherton Hospital, made possible by the unwavering generosity of the Atherton International Club.
As the Atherton International Club celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the Atherton Hospital Friends of the Foundation has recognised the club’s invaluable contribution to local healthcare during the past 34 years.
The relationship began in August 1992, shortly after a new Atherton Hospital Auxiliary committee was formed following a community meeting convened by then-Mayor Jim Chapman.
Since then, volunteers have gathered at the Atherton International Club every Tuesday morning for bingo, with club staff preparing the hall each Monday night to ensure the popular fundraising activity can continue week after week.
Atherton Hospital Friends of the Foundation Representative Bev Prescott said the International Club’s ongoing support had played a vital role in the group’s ability to raise funds for local hospital services and equipment.
“For 34 years, the Atherton International Club has generously opened its doors to us every week, and we simply couldn’t have achieved what we have without that support,” Mrs Prescott said.
“Every Monday night their staff set up the hall ready for Tuesday morning bingo, and that commitment has never wavered. It may seem like a simple gesture, but it has made an enormous difference to our volunteers, the participants who enjoy the social gathering and the fundraising we have been able to achieve for Atherton Hospital. We are incredibly grateful to the club’s board members, staff and members, past and present, who have supported us over the years and helped create a welcoming space where our community can come together.”
In July 2019, the Atherton Hospital Auxiliary officially joined the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation. At the time, the Auxiliary had contributed more than $651,000 towards equipment for Atherton Hospital through bingo fundraising and transferred a further $100,690 to continue supporting local health initiatives.
Mrs Prescott said the Atherton International Club’s support had helped create a lasting legacy for local patients. “The funds raised through bingo have helped purchase equipment and improve services close to home, benefiting countless patients and families across the Tablelands,” she said.
“What makes this relationship so special is that it has been built on community spirit, generosity and a shared commitment to supporting local healthcare.
“As the International Club celebrates 50 years, we want to congratulate everyone involved and sincerely thank them for standing beside us for the past 34 years. Their support has helped create a healthier future for our community.”
“As the International Club celebrates 50 years, we want to congratulate everyone involved and sincerely thank them for standing beside us for the past 34 years. Their support has helped create a healthier future for our community.”
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said the Atherton Hospital Friends of the Foundation demonstrated the difference local volunteers could make with sustained community support.
“Our Atherton Hospital Friends of the Foundation volunteers give their time and energy to improve healthcare for their community, building on the work of the Hospital Auxiliary over many years,” Mrs Hogan said.
“The Atherton International Club’s generous support has helped make that work possible. By providing a welcoming space for bingo each week, the club brings people together and supports fundraising for equipment that benefits local patients and families.
“Congratulations to the club on its 50th anniversary, and thank you to its board, staff and members, past and present, for 34 years of support. We also thank our Friends of the Foundation volunteers and everyone who comes along to bingo. Their shared commitment continues to make a lasting difference to healthcare on the Tablelands.”
Atherton International Club marked its 50th anniversary with a weekend of celebrations in July, bringing together members, patrons and supporters to honour the club’s rich history and contribution to the local community.
Photo: Atherton Hospital Friends of the Foundation volunteers Dina Folino-Gallo, Hazel Christensen, Dorothy Bew, Beverley Prescott, Jill Kingston, Julie Arbouin, Eleanor Butland and Jan Leinster.
