Over 110 guests joined forces to help raise funds for the Indigenous Buoyed Up program at the annual Buoyed Up dinner last weekend and listened to Tom Slingsby, the ultimate sailor of the current age and mysailing.com.au website Editor, Roger McMillan.
Proceedings were kicked off by MC Andy Phipps and program Patron HON Glen Elmes MP who explained to the crowd the benefits of the Buoyed Up program to this Indigenous community and how much these 7-12 year olds have enjoyed the program and the benefits that have carried through to their school and family life.
Five times World Laser Champion and London Olympic Gold Medallist, Tom Slingsby, entertained the guests with stories of his crushing defeat at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 when he was the outstanding favourite and the soul searching required to back up and have another shot at the title, albeit, four years down the track.
Tom and Roger explained the current goings on of the Americas Cup, why Tom has re-signed with the Oracle Team USA defender and what was involved in winning the 34th Americas Cup in San Francisco last year.
The food and beverages kept coming and all reports received have been very complementary – thanks to the NYRC kitchen and bar staff and Lion Nathan (Brett Quarry), Treasury Wines (Brenden Muggleton) and Noosa Village Meat (Josh Anderson).
Whilst the attendees were spell bound listening to the pair it was fund raising that was the key to the continuation of the Buoyed Up initiative and the silent auctions were gaining lots of attention and the crowd was regularly reminded by MC Phippsy of the reason we were all gathered.
Great auction items were on offer with support received from Thredbo 31 (Andrea & Rob Douglas), Teewah Beach House (Peter Whadcoat), Sirocco Marine North, Treasury Wines, Noosa Shores Resort, Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort, Noosa Learn to Surf, Rococo Restaurant, Ivory Palms Resort, Ricky’s Bar & Restaurant, Noosa Yachtie Fishing Club, Donnicu Hair Studio, Bistro C, MB Marine Services, Thomas Corner Eatery, Segafredo, Laguna Boating Centre, Breakaway Marine, Rump House Restaurant & River Lounge, Ryan Palk, Noosa Ferry’s, Noosa Reef Hotel, Villa Noosa Hotel, Locale Noosa.
Tom Slingsby also added to the list and offered up his London Games Australian Jacket, London Games Shirt and a Oracle Team USA jacket.
Glen Elmes re-presented funding cheques from Westpac Foundation $10,000.00 and The Sisters of Charity $5,000.00 plus another donation of $250.00 was received by NYRC supplier Complex Security. Making the total raised for Buoyed Up being close to $30,000.00
Thanks to all those that offered support on the evening whether it be auction items, attendance or donations – the evening and the ongoing security of Buoyed Up would not be possible without your support.
– Paul Blundell
