The community of Kalgoorlie came together on Saturday night to raise funds, and a glass, all for a good cause.
More than 350 guests enjoyed a night under the stars at the Kalgoorlie Boulder Racing Club to raise funds for the annual Starlight Purple Haze Game, proudly supported by Fremantle Ports.
Prepare for a Purple Haze
The annual Kalgoorlie event has raised more than $220,000 for the Starlight Children’s Foundation since it kicked off back in 2011, this year's event raising an amount in excess of $61,000.
Chris Murphy perfromed at the 'Raising with the Stars' event on Saturday night in Kalgoorlie.
Event organiser Haylie Dowson said as well as raising vital funds the event brings the Goldfields community together.
“We’re really blessed to have such amazing and very dedicated supporters,” Haylie said.
“Our helpers are emotionally invested and they like to see the event succeed.
“I was elated at the outcome of the night, it was overwhelming this year.”
Haylie Dowson with Starlight Supporters at the 'Raising for the Stars' event on Saturday night.
Haylie and her husband Phil know all too well how the Starlight Children’s Foundation can help brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families.
Their nine-year-old daughter Tayten was diagnosed with a life-long chronic illness, Ulcerative Coelitis in January 2013, a diagnosis that has affected the entire Dowson family.
Tayten's Mayne man
“Obviously being so invested and knowing what Starlight does for our family when Tayten is in hospital, makes this event so special to us,” Haylie said.
“The money that we raise helps fund Starlight programs, and that is something Tayten is directly involved in.
“When I am sitting in the Starlight Express Room at Princess Margaret Hospital and see another mum walk in with a sick child, to see the relief on their face when one of the captains makes their child smile and laugh is heart-warming.”
“We love to run this event and raise this money.”
The Fremantle Dockers Foundation is proud to have the Starlight Children's Foundation on board as a Principal 'Friend of the Foundation'
