Bachelor in Paradise star Jake Ellis criticised for not raising enough money at charity event
FORMER Bachelor in Paradise contestant Jake Ellis has defended the low amount of money raised at a Cure Cancer Fundraiser in June, as sources and sponsors have expressed criticism.
Confidential
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A FORMER Bachelor in Paradise contestant has defended the amount raised at a recent cancer charity event he put his name to after his mother died from the disease.
Jake Ellis claims the Cure Cancer Fundraiser, held at the Flamingo Lounge in June, raised $3265 but sources and sponsors had been critical of the event as they expected more cash to be raised.
When contacted, Ellis agreed he had hoped to raise more money.
“Everything with the event has been above board with no other intention for the party,” Ellis wrote in an email to Sunday Confidential, which had been attempting to obtain comment for several weeks.
“This was the first time in our lives that we had ever tried to do something like this in raising awareness and what money we could for Cure Cancer. Having just lost my mother to her 25-year battle was my driving force in trying to do something for this.
“Yes it was our hope to have raised more than this … but unfortunately we didn’t. We were happy that we at least raised something for Cure Cancer but more so awareness of the work that they do.”
Sunday Confidential understands about $6935 was raised from ticket sales and a further $5000 was donated by a major sponsor to pay for flights and accommodation for former Bachelor contestants bought in for the event which was promoted as a chance to mingle with the cast of the show.
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Food and alcohol was also paid for from the kitty, which meant the total raised was just over $3000.
Some working behind the scenes were outraged Ellis and Bachelor star girlfriend Megan Marx paid for flights and accommodation with money they believe should have gone to the charity.
Among those who attended were Tara Pavlovic, Michael Turnbull and Florence Alexandras.
“The least these guys could do is organise their own flights and or accommodation in order to be able to hand over more money to Cure Cancer,” an insider said.