The Blue Ribbon Foundation has helped kick off the inaugural Geelong Hospital Appeal by donating $100,000 to the Barwon Health Foundation.

The cheque for the amazing contribution was presented at the official launch of the Appeal in February, marking a wonderful start to the year’s fundraising efforts.

The donation was a result of a series of fundraising events organised by the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s local branch to help support the Geelong Hospital’s new Emergency Department.

                                                                Above: Mark Thompson presents Blue Ribbon Foundation cheque

The contribution will be put towards fitting out one of the resuscitation bays in the redeveloped facility, due for completion in 2009. The bay will be named in honour of a fallen police officer.

Gavin Seidel gratefully accepted the donation saying that it would go a long way in bringing the new Emergency Department to life.

“This fanatastic pledge is such a wonderful way for us to be bale to kick off the first year of the Geelong Hospital Appeal,” he says.

“We are most appreciative of the ongoing support of the Blue Ribbon Foundation who recognise the importance of having a start of the art Emergency Department available in our region.”

‘HARD HAT PARTY’ MARKS LAUNCH OF NEW APPEAL

The inaugural Geelong Hospital Appeal was officially launched in February 2008 with a ‘Hard Hat’ Party held on the Geelong Hospital rooftop.

The Appeal has replaced a number of smaller appeals traditionally run by the Barwon Health Foundation throughout the year and will allow donors to direct their money to particular areas within Barwon Health.

Over 150 people attended the night including local business and community representatives, Barwon Health Foundation supporters, Face of the Appeal Thomas Barter, Geelong Football player Tom Lonergan.

        Above: Rotary Club of East Geelong present a cheque for $15,000           Above: The crowd enjoy the Hard Hat Party

Guests were treated to a special guest presentation from Geelong Football Cats coach Mark ‘Bomber’ Thompson and a sneak-peek at the Emergency Department redevelopment.

Not only was a cheque for $100,000 presented by the Blue Ribbon Foundation but the Rotary Club of East Geelong also made a donation of $15,000 to the Appeal.