myKnight ball 2011 Wrap up!

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The third annual myKnight ball was held on Saturday the 15th October at Etihad stadium. It was a spectacular night shared by over 350 attendees who enjoyed fine food, wine and company whilst generously helping raise money for The Unicorn Foundation

The talented CircaNICA artists dazzled guests as they arrived for pre dinner drinks and in keeping with the Unicorn fantasy theme there were snow queens on stilts, knights jousting and a Narnia princess doing some fancy tricks with a mirror ball.　The evening’s program was managed by the talented and ever amusing MC John Blackman.

Dr John Leyden and CEO Simone Leyden took to the mic updating the many supporters about the achievements to date and the plans for the Foundation in 2012.

Matt Fowles (Plunket Fowles Wines) followed with a passionate talk about the fine wines of the Strathbogie Ranges, particularly the award winning Stone Dwellers and the joy of sharing them (wines) with family and friends.

Nick Carr thanked the tremendous efforts of the Melbourne Marathon team, which has raised over $70,000 and also the boys of Team Toro who also raised over $25,000 this year. These events were such an amazing test on the body and the mind and we thank everyone who made them possible as well as the generosity of their supporting donors.

Whilst the crowd enjoyed the delicious three course meal provided by Delaware North, they heard from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Director of Cancer Imaging, Professor Rod Hicks. Professor Hicks’ presentation was a thought provoking, philosophical look at the trials and tribulations of cancer and cancer research and how important it is to work together to make change in patient’s outcomes. We thank Professor Hicks for his knowledge and dedication to all NETs patients.

Kristen Leknius, who attends The Unicorn Foundation support group meetings held at Peter MacCallum, bravely spoke about her journey with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour. A journey that saw many years pass without a correct diagnosis despite the numerous doctors and　specialists she consulted. Kristen showed her humour and courage as she recanted her story. Kristen is now receiving peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (Lutate) under Prof Hicks with amazing results. [Unfortunately for many NET patients this treatment is not freely available and the Unicorn Foundation is continuing to advocate for more funding and access to this valid and effective treatment].

The Unicorn Foundation would like to thank our generous　major sponsors - Etihad Stadium; Plunkett Fowles Winery; Delaware North, Boston Kennedy and AV Dynamics who have continually supported the myKnight ball over the last three years and have contributed to its overwhelming success.

We would also like to thank our major auction donors – WOLF; Marquise Designs; Dave Shergold; Etihad Stadium and Michael Green; Virgin Australia, and Unicorn Foundation Ambassador Sam Worthington. Also a big thank you to all our silent auction, raffle prize and gift bag donors who once again generously donated so many fantastic prizes.

The night was a huge success with just over $70,000 raised!

Our projects for the next twelve months that can now be implemented by this generous support include:

  • Assist in the purchase of shielded cabinet for the handling of radioactive material for Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute Victoria. This will help the Nuclear Medicine　 Unit to provide Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (Lutate) to neuroendocrine patients ($40,000) 
  • Support of a Researcher to develop a Neuroendocrine Cancer Treatment Pathway for South Australia Health Department ($30,000) 
  • Development of a Neuroendocrine Cancer Specialist Nurse role in Queensland which will coordinate the management of hundreds of NET cancer patients ($45,000) 
  • Development and assistance in implementing a neuroendocrine tumour ‘tissue’ banking program for New South Wales which will then enable researchers to engage in translational research ($100,000) 
  • The formation of a Neuroendocrine Patient Support Group for Western Australia ($10,000)

Thank you to everyone who contributed to a fanatastic night especially the fundraising committee, Kirsty Ralph, Bec Carnovale, Emma Pidgeon and Mia Mitchell and our gorgeous team of volunteers. Also special thanks to Kenny Whatmore photography, Natalie Dunn and her band, DJ Dave, and Doculink Printers as well as Michael Green and Janine Ellis of Etihad Stadium.

Be sure to look at http://www.photorazzi.com.au/photo-booth-gallery/unicorn-foundation-myknight-ball-october-2011.aspx to see your photobooth pic.

Also join our group on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/472805285594/

We look forward to seeing you at our next event!

 

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