| Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC attended our Art from Your Heart this Saturday, 16 October. She graciously opened up our charity’s first ever art auction that raised $30,000. Every single cent from this successful event is going towards our vision of a world free from domestic violence; supporting the thousands of women and children forced to flee violent family homes each year. Brisbane’s movers and shakers joined the Board of Australia’s CEO Challenge for this worthy cause. The hush and awe that spread over the room as her Excellency arrived was captivating.
The Governor-General mingled with the celebrity crowd and perused the eclectic and heartfelt collection of one-of-a-kind artworks created by artists, musicians, athletes, novelists, academics, children, politicians, judges and others. “Our artists were prepared to help us get the message out that domestic violence affects 1 in 3 women in Australia, yet fewer than 1 in 10 report it. It’s a hidden epidemic”, said Australia’s CEO Challenge’s Wendy Reid. |
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Celebrity artists included Aboriginal singer Kev Carmody (bought for $1,700); captain of the Gold Coast Titans Scott Prince (bought by major fans who went home absolutely ecstatic to have won the bidding);new Liberal MP for Brisbane Theresa Gambaro; Yvonne Mills Stanley (sold for $4,500 – a bargain as her paintings hang all over the world), Ken Done, ex Olympic swimmer Kieren Perkins (won by an enthusiastic fan who works at Grant Thornton and can’t believe her luck) and author Nick Earls.
| Not only did the Governor-General attend this fabulous event but her daughter Revy Bryce-Browning (Managing Director of award winning company Design Vision) curated the event and her granddaughter Alexandra Bryce-Browning painted a picture which was sold for $600! Auctioned off first, this beautiful picture set the standard for the rest of the bidding!The art auction was supported by Brisbane’s art and corporate worlds. Philip Bacon (from, Philip Bacon Galleries) and Annie Gamble Myer set a furious pace with the bidding. Grant Thornton (accountants), GHD (construction) and Accenture (IT) were in attendance as well as the founder of CEO Challenge, Jim Hardeman who flew in from the USA.Many guests attended with their children and were absolutely thrilled that we had opened this event up to families. Children helped point out the artworks as Jonathan Blocksidge, who had donated his auctioning talents for the night, got attendees outbidding each other. All got caught up in the magic that the night inspired. |  |
Australia’s CEO Challenge helps women and children affected by domestic and family violence, and all generations took a stand on this enchanting night to raise money for this sad, very real and increasing epidemic.
“Most people don’t realize that 1 in 4 children in Australia witness violence against their mother or stepmother’, said Ms Reid.
The paintings were exhibited at the main concourse at Central Station for the 2 weeks prior to the event. Hundreds voted for the people’s choice award. Sheena Harris from Heritage had never painted in her life however decided to take up the challenge for Art from Your Heart and ended up winning the Queensland Rail people’s choice award with a tremendous 25% of votes! Yvonne Mills Stanley was second and Kay McGrath (7 News) was third!
It warmed our hearts that so many people came together to make this event special.
Special thank yous
Grant Thornton for providing the beverages, badges and venue.
Thank you…
GHD for sponsoring the event as exhibition sponsor
Thank you…
Accenture for sponsoring the event
Thank you…
Eckersleys for provided canvases and paints
Thank you…
Lifestyle for providing promotional T-Shirts
Thank you…
…and last but not least the 12 volunteers who gave their Saturday night to making this event happen!
Anthony – Security
Emmelena – Event assistance
Gabrielle – Hostess
Hollie – Registration and PR
Ling – Registration and for buying a masterpiece
Ian – Bar
Peach – Photographer
Raechel – Security
Rahni – Bar
Sarah – Registration and PR
Sian – For helping every step of the way: before, during and after the event
Sue – Registration
Thank you thank you thank you…
“It’s nights like this that show us that people want to help make a difference!” said Ms Reid.
Photos
Check out all the pictures from the event by visiting our Facebook page! Make sure you tag pictures of yourself!
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