Fundraising for the newly-established Cowboys Community Foundation is off to a flying start, thanks to the generosity of over 600 sponsors, partners, members and special guests at Saturday night's North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Charity Ball.
Held on the lawns at the The Ville Resort-Casino, the event celebrated the previous night's 19-18 win over the Broncos and introduced the Foundation and its programs to the special audience of the 'team behind the team'.
Charity auction items included unique Cowboys memorabilia and the opportunity to bid for dinner with a difference – six guests and four Cowboys players – thanks to The Ville Resort-Casino and XXXX, Coca-Cola Amatil, Robert Oatley and Diageo.
Around $16,000 was raised for the Foundation, a community-owned charity improving employment, health and social outcomes for young North Queenslanders through education-based programs including Try for 5!, TryTime!, Learn Earn Legend! and NRL Cowboys House.
Hosted by 4TOFM's Minty, the night's program included an address from chairman Laurence Lancini and welcome to country by Ashley Saltner, with insights on the season from players Justin O'Neill, Ben Hannant and Ethan Lowe and Cowboys coach Paul Green, while 'TV host, YouTuber and Entertainer' Jay Jay had the crowd in stitches.
For more information on the Cowboys Community Foundation, visit cowboysfoundation.org.au.
Top: MC Minty on stage with head coach Paul Green
Bottom: Ben Hannant & Jay Jay
