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The recent Heart of Variety Ball was a fitting occasion for celebration with Variety chairman Mark Stone announcing over $1 million of grants that went towards improving the lives of Victoria’s Special Needs Children during the 2007/08 financial year.
As the signature event for the children’s charity, the 2008 Heart of Variety Ball was an evening of Hollywood glamour. Guests were dressed to impress as their favourite screen idols as Variety celebrated 80 years of giving and 80 years of the Academy Awards with a spectacular journey through movie history.
Rubbing shoulders with the stars and causing quite a stir on the dance floor was four-year-old guest of honour Brock, along with his brother Rhys and parents Paul and Dee. Like many Australian children, Brock has received assistance from Variety. In December last year, a horrific fire burned through Brock’s family home in Traralgon, leaving Brock with extensive burns to 47% of his body and Dee with burns to 35% of her body.
A vibrant, playful and happy young boy, brave little Brock has spent much of his time since the fire in hospital undergoing surgery and receiving skin grafts. He will likely have ongoing surgery until he’s at least 18 years of age.
To assist with the various expenses associated with Brock’s special requirements, Variety presented Brock’s family with a cheque for $37,000 – funds Brock’s father Paul believes will go a long way towards helping Brock reach his full potential.
“We are extremely grateful to Variety for its generosity… it has really blown us away!” Paul said.
“Not only does this help us with medical expenses, but seeing how the community supports kids like Brock does a lot to lift our spirits.
“With the support we are receiving from Variety and Brock’s determination, energy and positive outlook, I have no doubt there are big things in store for him in the future.”
Other grants presented during this year’s Heart of Variety Ball included: The Boatshed, Sailability Freedom Program – $200,000; Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS) Ambulance – $300,000; Life Education Mobile Learning Centre – $300,000; Sunshine Coach Program to Glenallen School and Hand Brake Turn Program – $110,000; Liberty Swings to the City of Casey and Maroondah City Council – $105,000.
Further information: Variety, the children’s charity – (03) 8698 3900 or visit: www.varietyvic.org.au
(17 September 2008)
Pictured: Brave little Brock and his mum Dee at the recent Heart of Variety Ball in Melbourne.
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