Gala event to launch the Gallipoli Research Foundation

The Gala Launch of the Gallipoli Research Foundation was held on 6th May 2005 at the Stamford Plaza in the presence of Her Excellency the Governor of Queensland, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Mr Bryce and a glittering group of distinguished guests and Foundation supporters.

Entertainment was provided by the Royal Australian Navy Band (Queensland Detachment) who performed a special Sunset Ceremony in the main foyer of the hotel to commence proceedings. The band also provided the entertainment throughout the night. The Sunset Ceremony is very old ceremony signifying the closing of the day and preparation for the coming day. Program Manager of 4BC and Gallipoli Research Foundation Board member, Greg Cary acted as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. In his opening comments about the ceremony he said: “The Beat to Quarters honours the courage and sacrifice of the men and women of the Royal Australian Navy through eight decades of war and peace in the service of our country. The ceremony provided a very fitting start to our celebrations here tonight, as the Foundation aims to honour the sacrifice of the veteran community by striving to achieve its vision to become a centre of excellence in medical research.

Tonight we will hear about the need for medical research, we will acknowledge the magnificent contributions of the Foundation’s major supporters, we will have some fun with our auction and we will end the evening with music and dancing. It’s going to be a great night!”

And so it was!

The Foundation wishes to acknowledge the event sponsors who helped to make the occasion such a success.

The Grape
Conrad Treasury
Radio Station 4BC
Stamford Plaza Hotel
The Royal Australian Mint, and
The Royal Australian Navy Band – Queensland Detachment

Presentations were made to major supporters of the Foundation. In a very special gesture, Platinum supporters who had pledged or given up to $250,000 received a beautiful statue commissioned from artist and sculptor, Dr Maryann Nicholls. Each statue depicting Simpson and his donkey “Duffy” weights more than 30kg, is cast in bronze and sits on a sandstone base – a fitting addition to each recipient’s board room or reception area.

Gold supporters were also acknowledged on the night. They received framed certificates, also presented by Her Excellency.
Celebrity auctioneer, Pat Welsh, Sports Presenter for Channel Seven kept everyone on their toes during the auction and the Accelerate! the Gallipoli Research Foundation Limited Edition Art Union winners were drawn.

The Gala Launch culminated a very solid four months of fundraising activity during which time more than $1.7Million has been raised. The Foundation’s ambitious fundraising target is to achieve $12Million over three years, with half of this amount being given as a result of submissions to Federal and State Governments. Fundraising efforts will now continue so that the target will be reached in 2008.