On Thursday, 3 October, the Sapphire Committee dazzled at their Sapphire Gala event, raising a record-breaking $601,000 for the Children’s Hospital Foundation. The grand occasion, held at Howard Smith Wharves, attracted over 250 guests from Queensland’s philanthropic elite, showcasing the Committee’s unstoppable impact in modern philanthropy.
The Sapphire Committee, named after Queensland’s official gemstone, introduced a new group of Ambassadors for 2024 and 2025. The night marked another major milestone for the Committee, which has already contributed $400,000 to the ACTION Centre at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, funding critical therapies for children with rare diseases. Additionally, their reinvigorated Mary McConnel Career Boost Program, in partnership with DISSH, provides essential support to female paediatric researchers.
Among the newly appointed Ambassadors is Channel 7’s Kendal Gilding, who expressed her pride in joining the Committee. “The work of the Children’s Hospital Foundation is profoundly meaningful, and I’m proud to support its mission to improve the lives of children,” she said.
The Committee’s star-studded group of Ambassadors includes a powerhouse of Queensland’s most influential figures: Joel Parkinson, Billy and Rachel Walters, Ariarne Titmus, and Charli Robinson, to name a few. Together, these Ambassadors will help amplify the Committee’s mission to raise funds and awareness for the Children’s Hospital Foundation, supporting children across Queensland and Northern New South Wales.
Since its inception in 2022, the Sapphire Committee has emerged as a driving force in next-generation philanthropy, raising over $1.8 million in just two years. Their events, from Gala dinners to golf days, have become some of the most sought-after tickets on the Queensland charity scene.
Chair of the Sapphire Committee, Elisabeth Benson, shared her excitement over the evening’s success and the introduction of the new Ambassadors. “We couldn’t be prouder of Queensland’s generous community for supporting our vision and raising vital funds. The energy in the room was electric.”
Nadine Moore, Director of Philanthropy at the Children’s Hospital Foundation, highlighted the importance of the Committee’s fresh approach to giving, which appeals to younger generations. “The Sapphire Committee’s model resonates with millennials and Gen Z, who value social inclusion and recognition in their philanthropy,” she said.
