Every year, the Dowson family and the city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder take their support of the Starlight Children’s Foundation to another level.

In 2020, they cracked the $100,000 mark with a grand total of $100,926.76 raised to help seriously ill children and their families.

Haylie and Phil Dowson have their own connection with Starlight through one of their daughters, and the family have been a major contributor to Fremantle’s fundraising efforts through their annual event, which has run for 12 years.

This year, Aaron Sandilands and his wife Jen travelled to Kalgoorlie for the fundraiser, which hosted 430 guests.

Sandilands has been a long-term ambassador for Starlight, on board since Fremantle first held the Starlight Purple Haze Game in 2003.

“We had record numbers attend and for the first time ever we had the company of Aaron and his beautiful wife Jen,” Haylie Dowson said.

“They made the night bigger than we imagined, it excited our community and they got their hands dirty and helped out.

“On the day and Aaron was delighted to get photos with the crowd and share his football and Starlight journey, so it was an absolute privilege to have them both.

“It was the highlight of our year and I know they will be back next year. I can’t wait to catch up again!” 

It takes a lot of time and effort to host an annual fundraiser on this scale but Haylie said all the hard work was worth it, and made easier by a crew of volunteers from the community.

“We are often in shock at how each year our events in Kalgoorlie grow,” Dowson said.

“Our motivation is knowing the first hand difference we see. It’s the life changing impact Starlight has on the families that need it. 

“Every dollar we contribute makes a difference and that’s something you never fully understand until you are in that position and we have been there

“Our crew of helpers make Phil and I want to keep going each year, they are our support and we are finally getting to the point now where we can all relax and enjoy the night a bit more. 

“There are no words needed just admiration for what a family and their friends can achieve with some dedication and hard work.” 

Haylie said the Starlight Children’s Foundation was especially important for regional families, who often have to spend long periods in the city as one child receives treatment. 

“If our local kids get sick here it means lengthy times away from home to be near medical help,” Haylie said. 

“Sadly, too many of us have endured the stress of sick children and being away from home hurts even more.

“If our one night a year can ensure the services of Starlight can stay - our community will always be there.

“The Kalgoorlie Boulder community are like no other. It’s a community that rallies together to help out and our event and fundraising efforts are no exception.

“I know with a single call we can have donations, machinery to use for free, and hands on deck to make sure the event is the best for the families in need.”

As of Friday morning, Freo fans have pledged more than $2500 per goal in Saturday’s clash against GWS to help seriously ill children and their families.

Click here to make your pledge, and help Freo reach their target of $5000 per goal!