Fremantle’s 22nd Annual Starlight Purple Haze Game, proudly presented by South32, against Melbourne in round 19 has been kickstarted by this year’s remarkable fundraising event held by the Dowson family in Kalgoorlie.
After a hiatus in 2023 due to family reasons, the Dowson family, led by Haylie and Phil, reignited their annual Purple Haze fundraiser in February, smashing previous records with an incredible total of $200,296.82 raised.
This grand total, the largest ever raised at the event, underscores the community's dedication to supporting seriously ill children and their families.
Despite the sweltering heat, the community's dedication was unwavering.
“On the night of the event we went in at 6 o’clock and it was still 39 degrees,” Haylie Dowson shared.
“Everybody still turned out in force because the cause is what is important.
“Kids are doing it tougher than what we were on a hot night.”
Reflecting on the success, Haylie said the event would not be possible without the unwavering support of the Kalgoorlie community.
“I feel like I say it every year, but the event absolutely exceeded our expectations this year,” Dowson said.
“Times are tougher for everyone but that did not reflect in the success of the event in terms of the turnout and success of the event in the outcome.
“This year was our biggest ever (amount raised) and was the biggest ever historic jump (increase on funds raised year to year).”
Fremantle legend and Starlight board member Aaron Sandilands, who has a personal connection to the Starlight Children’s Foundation through his daughter’s hospital experience, attended the event alongside his brother Chad.
The Dowson family's dedication to the Starlight Children’s Foundation also stems from their personal connection to the cause, as one of their daughters benefitted from the foundation’s services, with Haylie emphasising the impact of local support.
“It is an absolute credit to our local community, what we stand for here, and what people are prepared to give to help,” she said.
“There are a lot of families in our area and region that benefit from the programs Starlight offer.
“People know that if your child is sick, you are not in Kalgoorlie with your child, you are bedside at Perth’s Children Hospital.”
From its humble beginnings, the Dowson's fundraiser has grown exponentially.
“From the humble little event in our own backyard when we were contributing a few hundred dollars thinking we were amazing, to ten events in cracking over 100 thousand and thinking we were absolutely phenomenal, to this year thinking 'wow we have the most generous community anywhere,” Haylie said.
“People that have contributed have been people that have been contributing from the first event.
“No ask is too big or too small. People donate and don’t want their name in lights, people drop off equipment and they don’t want any money.
“People just want the event to succeed. It’s amazing.”
As Fremantle gears up for their round 19 clash against Melbourne, the momentum from the Kalgoorlie fundraiser sets a hopeful tone for the upcoming Starlight Purple Haze Game, proudly presented by South32.
The Club is looking forward to making a significant impact for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, ensuring that seriously ill children and their families receive the support they need.
