The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce held one of their chief Disaster Appeal fundraising events at Picnic Point on Friday, 28th January.
Toowoomba Grammar 'Old Boys', Graham Turner, Chamber of Commerce President Geoff McDonald and Alan Jones
The venue was fully booked with 440 people in attendance to hear keynote speakers, Flight Centre founder and Managing Director Graham ‘Skroo’ Turner and Australia’s most popular Talkback Presenter and former Wallaby coach and Balmain Rugby League coach, Alan Jones.
Representatives from the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce made a presentation of just under $20,000 to the Disaster Appeal, the funds having been raised by their members.
Toowoomba Hospital Foundation CEO, Peter Rookas acted as auctioneer of goods and services specifically donated for the breakfast, and Allan Jones provided a State of Origin jersey and cap which brought $1,600. The purchaser was businessman John Cooling of SmartWorker who had driven up from Brisbane. Other items included a helicopter flight from Wagners, and charter of a 53 seat Stonestreets coach for a trip to Granite Belt wineries. The auction brought in a further $15,000.
Federal Member, Ian McFarlane caught in serious conversation with Alan Jones
Auctioneer, Peter Rookas in action at the Toowoomba Disaster Appeal breakfast
(Standing l to r) John McDonald, John Cooling and Alan Jones displaying the State of Origin jersey