More than $1.8 million has been raised for the flood victims through Rally for Relief at Melbourne Park yesterday.
Close to $300,000 was raised through tickets sales, with over 16,000 people attending the ticketed event inside Rod Laver Arena.
The Seven Network matched the ticket sales amount, while more than $21,000 was collected on-site through gold coin donations.
Australian Open major sponsor Kia Motors donated $100,000, with Associate Sponsors Rolex giving $20,000 and Jacob’s Creek $10,000, with donations also received from Cussons, Wilson, Evian and TPF.
Crowds were thrilled by players Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Kim Clijsters, Sam Stosur, Lleyton Hewitt, Justine Henin, Caroline Wozniacki, Novak Djokovic, Ana Ivanovic, Andy Murray, Andy Roddick, Vera Zvonareva, Victoria Azarenka and past players Pat Rafter and JimCourier, all of whom put on a memorable show at Rod Laver Arena, playing sparkling tennis and hamming it up for the crowds.
Queensland Energy Resources (QER) has pledged to match all the proceeds from Rally for Relief ticket sales, corporate donations, cash donations both at the event and donations made to websites.
Online donations can be made at www.rallyforrelief.tennis.com.au.
Tennis Australia will continue to coordinate the tennis community’s fundraising effort which will run throughout Australian Open 2011. Australian Open 2011 will take place at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, from January 17 to January 30.
