Generous Queenslanders dug deep into their pockets, helping raise over $9.2 million for the Children’s Hospital Foundation in the inaugural Channel Nine Children’s Hospital Telethon held in Brisbane last Saturday night.
Funds raised will go directly to the new Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, which will be the largest children’s hospital and research precinct in the southern hemisphere, set to open on November 20.
The telethon was the first of its kind to take place in Brisbane in over 20 years, thanks to the persistence of John Lazarou, public relations director of franchise chain The Coffee Club.
The Coffee Club Telethon Ball also took place on the night at the Brisbane Convention and Entertainment Centre, raising just under $180,000 for the charity.
The Coffee Club has been raising money for the Children’s Hospital Foundation for the past 20 years, having raised over $8 million in total.