The inaugural AFL Cape York House gala dinner in Cairns raised more than $80,000 in support of young people pursuing an education away from home. Photo: Supplied.
It is not every day the crew at AFL Cape York swap their jerseys for a beautiful dress or a sharp suit, but a gala dinner has raised more than $80,000 for the organisation.
The inaugural event featured a spirited live auction led by AFL Cape York Boys House manager Kane Richter, raising funds to support programs that empower young Indigenous students living away from home in pursuit of education to do so in a culturally safe environment.
“It was such a great vibe in the room, with passionate engagement from the crowd,” Mr Richter said.
“People were genuinely excited to bid, but more importantly, they understood the difference their contribution would make for our young people.”
The feature item up for grabs was a Toyota Prado donated by Pacific Toyota, which went to highest bidder Damien Ingram.
AFL Cape York general manager Rick Hanlon said the four-wheel drive had been a significant contributor to the event’s overall fundraising total.
“It was important for us to have a major item for the auction, and we were delighted that Pacific Toyota was able to provide this amazing Prado for the cause,” he said.
Gala guests were also treated to powerful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance performances, as well as an onstage panel discussion featuring AFL chief executive officer Andrew Dillon, AFL Cape York House alumni Yehusha Lifu and Anthony Nicholls, and current student Mistee Sagigi.
“Our goal was to create a community event that offered the people of Cairns a meaningful opportunity to support AFL Cape York programs, and we’re proud to say we achieved every objective we set,” Mr Hanlon said.
