The generous spirit of Toowoomba

LAST year I enjoyed the opportunity to attend a gala event celebrating the 95th anniversary of St Vincent’s Hospital.

Pretty in Pink Gala guests, from left; Samantha Walker, Daniel Burrett, Scott Butler, Sally Harvey, Brett Harvey and Selena Park. The function raised funds for Toowoomba Hospital Foundation. Picture: Bev Lacey

LAST year I enjoyed the opportunity to attend a gala event celebrating the 95th anniversary of St Vincent's Hospital.

Acclaimed Australian actor and philanthropist Samuel Johnson, whose late sister Connie was the inspiration for him to raise millions of dollars for cancer research in Australia, was the guest of honour at the special event at the Cathedral Centre that night.

It was a wonderful event and one I won't forget for one significant reason.

I was amazed by just how generous and supportive Toowoomba residents can be.

As is usually the case there was fundraising element and everyone present was quick to put their hands in their pocket to support a good cause.

I'm sure that is no surprise to anyone who has been a long-term resident in Toowoomba though - you only need to look at the weekend for proof.

Saturday's Pretty in Pink gala raised an incredible $30,000 for the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation and BreastScreen Toowoomba.

Headlined by comedian Judith Lucy I'm told it was fantastic event - further proof of the generosity of Toowoomba residents.

Originally published as The generous spirit of Toowoomba