The Springfield skyline was recently transformed into that of New York at the Annual Boulevard Ball @ Brookwater . Guests enjoyed the New York jazz club atmosphere and were entertained in true Rat Pack style.
The event, hosted by Springfield Land Corporation and Ipswich City Council attracted close to 200 business leaders and politicians who opened their hearts and wallets to support the AEIOU Foundation and the Searchlight Foundation, raising more than $25,000 for two charities committed to helping young people.
The AEIOU Foundation assists children with autism and their families and the Searchlight Foundation works to improve the education of the Indigenous young people in the Springfield community.
Springfield Land Corporation Chairman Maha Sinnathamby sincerely thanked everyone, including a long list of sponsors, who dug deep for two very worthwhile charities.
"Since we started hosting this event we have donated more than $100,000 to help a number of charity organisations and I am proud of what we've achieved over the past four years," Mr Sinnathamby said.
"We're committed to fundraising as it's important to support the development of organisations that provide valuable services for our community.
"In the past, the Boulevard Ball at Brookwater has raised money for the Mayor's Community Fund, the Mayoress's Community Support Group Committee and helped a sick little girl suffering from Goldenhar Syndrome."
AEIOU Foundation CEO Alan Smith said there isn't enough government funding received to cover a child's placement at one of the AEIOU centres.
"We rely on sponsorships and fundraising to bridge the gap so we can keep costs for families at a minimum," Mr Smith said."We're very grateful to the Springfield community for this generous donation that will make life easier for families dealing with autism."
On the evening of the Boulevard Ball, the Brookwater Golf and Country Club was transformed into a New York jazz club and guests enjoyed live music, entertainment, charity auctions and raffles.
Mr Albert Holt from the Searchlight Foundation won the Sinnathamby Award for Community Leadership presented by Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale.
"The Boulevard Ball is a great night out for all involved but more importantly it is our way of thanking the charities for the wonderful work they do in our community," Mayor Pisasale said.
Sponsors for the event included Hutchinson Builders, USQ Springfield, Grant Thornton, Mirvac - Orion Town Centre, GEON Print, Thiess, Delfin and Jmac (BMD).
Thank you to all supporters of this event and to those sponsors and companies who donated items for raffle and auction on the evening.
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