Date: 5 August 2006

Virgin Blue Hanger Ball Raises Money for MCF

On Saturday 5 August 2007, 3 000 guests joined Sir Richard Branson (founder of Virgin Airlines), Peter Beattie (Premier of Queensland), Brett Godfrey (CEO of Virgin Blue Airlines in Australia) for the Black Tie Charity Hangar Ball at the new Virgin Blue hangar at Brisbane Airport. It was a cold and windy evening, but that did not cool the enthusiasm and generosity of those who attended. This event was the largest Charity Ball ever held in Australia. One purpose of the night was to raise serious money for worthwhile charities.

The Montessori Children's Foundation (founded in 2005) was one of five charities who were beneficiaries of the night's proceeds. Over 20 Montessorians from around Australia joined the festivities in support of our own Foundation. It was truly a night to remember as we witnessed spectacular entertainment including a mini concert by Human Nature, fantastic auction items go for amazing prices and raffle tickets being bought in large numbers.

The Montessori Children's Foundation is extremely grateful to the Red Jet Foundation, the official charity of Virgin Blue, for choosing it as one of the charities supported this year. The Montessori Children's Foundation looks forward to working with Red Jet over the next 12 months as we champion the cause of indigenous children in Australia.

We are also very grateful to Rob and Sherridan Sherrard for making this wonderful opportunity posible for the Montessori Children's foundation.

The following Montessorians attended the Ball:

Representatives of MCF:
Maria MacNamara
Roelie Murphy
Megan Tyne

Guests from Brisbane Montessori School
Rob and Sherridan Sherrard
Yvonne Rinaldi
Robyn Cross
Edie Wicker
Rachel Neilson

Guests from Gold Coast Montessori College
Penny Plunkett
Karen Curcio
Raelene Lehane
Kerry Shand
Sue Poulsen
Jacki and Brett Janetzki

Guests from South Australia:
Barbara Langford
Barbara Nache
Adriana Francescangeli

Guests from Sydney:
Fiona Campbell
Maxine Swensson
John Staton
Pam Staton