$100,000 Raised For Starship

$100,000 Raised For Starship

At Starship Children's Hospital’s Atrium fundraising event held at the SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre, it was announced that over $100,000 was raised by in-kind and cash donations over and above the initial SKYCITY Auckland Community Trust grant of $100,000.

This means there is now enough money to commence work to enhance the atrium of the national children's hospital and transform it from a tired, well-used space into a New Zealand Rain Forest.

Starship Foundation CEO Andrew Young said that the Starship Atrium forms the 'Heart' of the hospital and its refurbishment is much needed.

Jasmax, the architectural firm involved in the redevelopment of Auckland Hospital, was contracted to develop a design to spruce up the area and its New Zealand Rain Forest theme was unanimously agreed upon by all parties involved.

Key features of the Rain Forest include recycled timber, telephone poles in lieu of trees, nature trails, clouds and canopies, log benches, audio visual equipment and specially printed flooring.

To assist in raising the additional funds needed, SKYCITY Auckland hosted last night's fundraising event (Thursday 18 November at the SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre). Attended by Starship Foundation supporters and relevant business industry leaders, the event included a charity auction with a range of nature-themed items on offer. Companies and guests were also given the chance to donate $1000 for a branded Nature Trail Stepping Stone, forty of which will line the Rain Forest floor.

Television personality Mary Lambie was MC for the event.

Andrew Young says that the Starship Foundation is very grateful to the SKYCITY Auckland Community Trust for making such a major contribution to the cost of the Rain Forest refurshishment.

"We are also are thankful that SKYCITY, which has had a long association with Starship, is hosting the fundraising event for the project and enabling us to hopefully raise the extra funds needed," said Mr Young.

SKYCITY has had a relationship with Starship's Children's Health since 1997, and is a "Five Star Sponsor" of the Starship Foundation. Highlights of the relationship have included fundraising to create Puawaitahi, a "Multi-Agency Centre' for abused children and young people. Since Puawaitahi's opening in November 2002, SKYCITY has assisted with additional fundraising to provide the centre with education materials, clothing, transport, toys and food vouchers.

The SKYCITY Auckland Community Trust has distributed in excess of $15 million in grants to more than 600 Community Groups, large and small since it was established in 1996, as part of the SKYCITY Ltd casino licence application process, to provide funds for community and charitable purposes.

To make donations to Starship Children's Hospital Atrium redevelopment project visit http://www.starship.org.nz or post to P.O Box 9389 Newmarket, Auckland.

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