GC2018 Charity Gala the hot ticket in town

Dining with some of Australia’s sporting legends, enjoying great entertainment and witnessing the reveal of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) medals is proving the hottest ticket in town with the 4 November GC2018 Charity Gala tables at The Star Gold Coast selling fast.

With a stellar line up of athletes in attendance including GC2018 Ambassadors Sally Pearson OAM, Anna Meares OAM and Cameron McEvoy, getting up close and personal with sporting stars on the night won’t be difficult.

Commonwealth Games Minister, Kate Jones said funds raised from the Charity Gala would go towards the Gold Coast Community Fund (GCCF) with prizes and auction items still rolling in from a very generous community.

The donated prizes range from a sneak peek behind the scenes of the Opening Ceremony, a signed Mick Fanning surfboard and a training session with the Gold Coast’s very own hurdles champion, Sally Pearson," she said.

"Other sporting legends in attendance include Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallists, Michael Shelley and Domonic Bedggood, 1982 champion Glynis Nunn-Cearns OAM, Sam Riley, Tatiana Grigorieva, Kookaburra’s captain, Mark Knowles and Paralympic stars, Brenden Hall OAM and Nick Beveridge.

"This will be a night like no other where we get to witness the unveiling of the GC2018 gold, silver and bronze medals and enjoy the reaction of many of our athletes who dream of having them hanging around their necks come Games time," Minister Jones said.

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chairman, Peter Beattie AC said the response to ticket sales for the Charity Gala has been outstanding with less than five tables remaining.

"These Games will be the biggest event in Queensland’s history and the Charity Gala is an opportunity to demonstrate to the Commonwealth that the generosity of Queenslanders goes way beyond our spirit.

"We have a number of Games ‘money can’t buy’ experiences that only hosting a Commonwealth Games allow with one of the many unique auction prizes being an opportunity to be at the Games Village when the Australian team arrives, attendance at their welcome ceremony and a tour of the Village that also includes dining with the athletes in the Athlete’s Dining Hall," he said.

Mr Beattie said that the evening would be made even more special with the reveal of the GC2018 medals that have been produced by official supporter the Royal Australian Mint.

Guests will also get an insight into the artist and the creative inspiration for the medal designs.

GCCF Chairman, Rutland Smith reflected on the enthusiasm to bring the GC2018 Charity Gala together.

He said the GCCF Board were overwhelmed with the generosity of GOLDOC, Games partners, athletes and the community to ensure the night was a success.

"The GC2018 Charity Gala will not only be an evening of very special memories for all who attend but the funds will go such a long way to support those groups and individuals across the city who desperately need our help," Mr Smith said.

GOLDOC CEO Mark Peters said the Charity Gala was shaping up to be something quite spectacular and something the Gold Coast community will never experience again.

"With just 151 days until the Opening Ceremony, there is increasing excitement about the Games and the opportunity it brings to the Gold Coast, the event cities of Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns and all of Queensland," Mr Peters said.

"GC2018 will be a unique celebration of sport and culture with events like the GC2018 Charity Gala an opportunity to celebrate early and excitedly anticipate what’s to come, but not forget about those in the community who need support."

Tickets for the GC2018 Charity Gala are available at gc2018.com/official-charity

Ends

Background

The Gold Coast Community Fund is an incorporated body that was established in early 2000 by some of the city’s leading business figures.

The Fund seeks to raise money through regular art unions and donations, creating a central pool of money for distribution to charities, community organisations and individuals in emergency need.

The Gold Coast Community Fund (GCCF) aims to relieve financial hardship which is determined on a case by case assessment of a beneficiary’s or charities’ genuine financial need.

For more information, please email media@goldoc.com or contact:

Tamara Morris: +61 400 658 429

Manager Communication and Media

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC)

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