Mackay schoolgirl Emily Broadbent has some new freedom thanks to the generous support of guests and sponsors of Ray White Mackay’s 'Night under the Stars' held in aid of the Cowboys Community Fund late last year.
Attended by Cowboys NRL squad members Glenn Hall and Gavin Cooper, a total of $17,000 was raised from the ball which had a goal of helping disadvantaged youth from the Mackay region.
Emily is the first beneficiary of the ball proceeds and the Cowboys Community Fund, represented by four of the Cowboys who will play for the Mackay Cutters in the Intrust Super Cup this weekend, today presented a new wheelchair bike to the 12-year-old, who has cerebral palsy.
“Emily has a younger brother and now she’s able to play outside with him, as well as the rest of her family and her friends, and be involved in extra-curricular activities instead of being on the sidelines,” Ray White Mackay principal Tara Smyth said.
“It’s really gratifying to see some of the money raised from our fantastic 'Night under the Stars' go to a lovely young girl like Emily.
“We know she’s going to love her new bike and the enjoyment it will bring.”
The Cowboys Community Fund, supported by Coca-Cola Amatil, is in its 10th year and since inception has granted in excess of $160,000 to worthy North Queensland applicants.
CCF chairman Wayne Nicholson said another two applications from the Mackay region were currently being processed.
“We hope to make a couple of other grants within the next fortnight using funds raised on the night,” Mr Nicholson said.
“The annual Ray White Ball will be held again this year on 23 August and will be another fundraiser for the Cowboys Community Fund to allow us to have an ongoing commitment to the Mackay region, which is a very important part of North Queensland Cowboys territory.
“The Toyota Cowboys are extremely proud that we can contribute something back to the North Queensland youth who provide them, and the sport of rugby league, with such tremendous support.”
Applications for the next round of funding close on 30 June and application forms can be found on the Community Fund web page at cowboys.com.au.
To apply, you must be 25 years of age or under or work closely with an individual in that age group.
Applications are to be submitted in writing and must follow the requirements detailed on the application form and then posted to the Cowboys Community Fund postal address.
Applicants must live or be based in the Cowboys’ talent recruitment geographical catchment area of North Queensland, from Torres Strait in the north, west to Mt Isa and south to Mackay.
Grants are limited to a maximum of $3000, although part-payments of grants may be considered in applications exceeding $3000 – requests for cash donations will not be considered.
Enquiries on fund application procedures may be emailed to communityfund@cowboys.com.au.
Main image: Emily with John Asiata, Anthony Mitchell, Curtis Rona and Zac Santo
