Article by Patrick Taros courtesy of the Daily Telegraph.
Aussie billionaire Gina Rinehart’s family made the biggest charitable donation at Thursday night’s 2023 Gold Dinner.
One of Sydney’s glitzy charity parties has broken the global record for children’s hospital charity galas, raising $19.2 million in one night for kids with complex and intensive needs.
But it was a $5 million donation by Aussie billionaire Gina Rinehart’s family, on behalf of mining company Hancock Prospecting, that became the largest single pledge made in 26 years at Thursday night’s 2023 Gold Dinner for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.
The by-invitation, lavish fundraiser was held at Sydney Town Hall, and the theme was a modern twist on ‘The Wizard of Oz’ with a gold carpet reminiscent of the iconic yellow brick road leading guests into a world of wonder, romance and magic.
Hosted by Australian sports presenter Tara Rushton and TV host Tristan MacManus, the evening was attended by over 400 of the nation’s leading philanthropists and VIPs, including Cooper Cronk, Claudia Karvan and Lincoln Younes.
Philanthropist Bernadette Nassif also took the stage to share her personal story accessing care through The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and the important role community plays when caring for kids with complex needs.
Joshua Penn said he, together with his mum Linda Penn, were honoured to resume their roles as Gold Dinner co-chairs.
“Our commitment to philanthropy is rooted in our belief that all children deserve access to the highest quality pediatric care, regardless of their circumstances,” he said.
“With these funds, we can build world-class facilities that cater to the complex medical needs of children, ensuring that they receive the care they deserve. We are confident that this milestone achievement will make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of many children and their families, both now and in the future.”
Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation chief executive Kristina Keneally said the unwavering commitment and generosity of Sydneysiders “enables us to push the boundaries of pediatric healthcare today and safeguard the health of future generations”.
“We extend our sincere gratitude, on behalf of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation and the children whose lives will be positively impacted by this game-changing service, to the devoted committee and all those who attended and supported Gold Dinner 2023, for their exceptional contributions in achieving an unprecedented fundraising amount,” she said.
First held in 1997, Gold Dinner is regarded as the signature charity event in Australia. The event has raised nearly $60 million over the last 26 years for sick kids in urgent need of care.
