A record-breaking amount was raised for local charity, Sunnykids, at the annual Travis Schultz Winemakers Master Class.
More than 350 Sunshine Coast wine imbibers attended the event, which was backed by NAB, at the Maroochy RSL Events Centre on May 28.
They raised $170,000 for Sunnykids, an organisation that supports the community’s most vulnerable.
It was the ninth year running of the sold-out event, which has raised $610,000 since inception, with the backing of the local business community.
General Manager of SunnyKids, Kathleen Hope, said the fundraiser is critical for the charity.
“This event enables SunnyKids to continue to offer important services such as our early intervention program for families, critical to providing kids with an opportunity to reach their full potential,” Ms Hope said.
Event founder, Travis Schultz from Travis Schultz & Partners, said the event was based on providing an opportunity for local businesspeople to connect and learn about quality food and wines, while enjoying a good experience with a side hustle of fundraising.
“We were delighted to showcase some of Australia’s best winemakers at this year’s event from the Barossa, Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley – matching fine wine and food with plenty of opportunities for people to network, all in the name of a good cause,” Mr Schultz said.
Winemakers included crowd-favourite Jane Ferrari representing the Barossa’s Brockenchack, Michael Roelofs representing Polperro Wines in the Mornington Peninsula, Andrew Quin winemaker of Hentley Farm in the Barossa, and Sarah Crowe winemaker at Yarra Yering in the Yarra Valley.
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A live auction was also held at the event with local personalities and businesses sponsoring some major prizes. Auction items included:
- A morning with Jett Kenny for 10 people, sponsored by Mercedes Benz Sunshine Coast
- Masterpiece artwork by Roy Lichtenstein, sponsored by SunnyKids
- Market Bistro 6-course degustation dinner for 12 people, sponsored by Evans Built
- A night of racing at Big Kart Track for 30 people, sponsored by the Big Kart Track
- Mercedes Benz AMG Drive Day for two people at Mt Cotton, sponsored by Mercedes Benz Sunshine Coast
- Harry’s on Buderim Lunch for six people with Casey Stoner & Chris Vermeulen, sponsored by NAB
- 18ct white gold ‘Canturi-style’ diamond ring, sponsored by SunnyKids
- Broncos Corporate Game Day experience for six people, sponsored by the Broncos
- Riedel glassware collection, sponsored by Riedel, the glass company
- A golf masterclass for six people, sponsored by Mercedes Benz Sunshine Coast
- Unbuyable Barossa Backstage Pass by Jane Ferrari, sponsored by Travis Schultz & Partners
- SunnyKids Mayoral Ball 2021 table #1 for 10 people, Sponsored by SunnyKids
Mr Schultz said this year’s event was made possible due to the efforts of generous sponsors, event partners, SunnyKids and a hard-working team of volunteers and guests.
“We are so very grateful for the incredible support from the Sunshine Coast business community and all involved in making this important occasion possible,” Mr Schultz said.
“We see time and time again how generous this community is and we want to thank each and every guest who attended for their contribution.”
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Ms Hope said SunnyKids’ vision is to have a Sunshine Coast community in which everyone feels safe, belongs and has the chance to reach their full potential.
“Events like this allow us to support our community where they need it most.”
“Last year alone, we delivered 16,500 hours of support for vulnerable families through our safe refuge, counselling services, our Mentoring Through Sport program and our Village Buddies program.”
“This fundraising event truly blows me away each year. We have such a close-knit business community and the generosity and enthusiasm shown is quite unique and inspirational.”
For more information, go to www.sunnykids.org.au
