Beam Global Spirits and Wine brought together some of
Sydney's best known celebrities at The Argyle on June 25th to raise
$33,000 for the Tabitha Foundation Cambodia, at a jungle themed charity
auction event, 'Wild Side'.
Celebrity guests included Alex Dimitriades who took to
the decks to play DJ for the night; Big Brother host Fitzy who kept
the crowed laughing and entertained; motor racing legend Dick Johnson
and current Jim Beam Racing V8 Supercar drivers Steve Johnson and Will
Davison, who offered their driving skills to thrilled auction winners
with exclusive hotlaps at Eastern Creek Raceway; and celebrity chef
Ben O'Donoghue auctioned off a signed surf board.
Raising much needed funds, guests dug deep to bid for
once-in-a-life-time experiences donated by Jim Beam sponsored rugby
league teams; Manly Sea Eagles, Parramatta Eels, Sydney Roosters and
Melbourne Storm. The major raffle prize of the evening was a 42"
plasma screen TV, generously donated by LG Electronics. Numerous sought
after prizes were bid for throughout the night raising the staggering
$33,000.
"We're thrilled by the generosity we witnessed last
night and the time and commitment friends of Jim Beam have put into
making this event happen. With the money we have raised, we can now
ensure over 25 houses can be built for families who have been struggling
to survive without a place of their own for shelter and security"
says Kel Constantine, Sponsorship and Events Manager for Beam Global
Spirits & Wine.
Ian MacDonald from the Tabitha Foundation presented a
moving speech about the work the Foundation does for the people of Cambodia
and encouraged event guests to support the Foundation generously.
"The people of Cambodia have suffered for many years,
yet with the help of people like the team here at Jim Beam, who are
willing to selflessly volunteer their time and commitment, we are able
to help build Cambodian people a better future for themselves. By giving
these people the means and guidance to save what little money they can,
week after week, we can help them to provide a stable and decent future
for themselves and their families" says Mr MacDonald.
The Tabitha Foundation works with local communities in
Cambodia to educate and implement savings programs so people can save
their own money, providing a feeling of accomplishment within the Cambodian
people. This is resulting in great changes for Cambodia and the Foundation
has helped over 300,000 Cambodian people since it was founded in 2002.
For more information on the Tabitha Foundation or to find out how to
help, visit www.tabithafoundationaustralia.com
