Gatto secures big bucks at charity golf day - October 2010

Controversial Melbourne identity Mick Gatto helped ensure a record fundraising tally was reached at a recent Gold Coast charity event to benefit Guide Dogs Queensland and the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation.

More than $60,000 was raised at the MBA Partnership’s Charity Golf Day last Friday, helped along by a fierce bidding war for the opportunity to dine with the former ‘Carlton Crew’ kingpin.

Fine dining for six with Mr Gatto topped the auction items on offer, with one guest forking-out $8,000 for the chance to meet the former underworld figure.

More than 90 golfers took part in the 6th Annual MBA Charity Golf Day held at the Lakelands Golf Club with the team from Tyrrell’s Wine taking out first prize.

Golfers and Gold Coast businesses dug deep to support the two beneficiaries, with $50,000 raised for Guide Dogs Queensland, including a $10,000 donation from the Count Charitable Foundation, and $12,000 raised for the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation.

Following the day’s play, the golfers attended a presentation dinner and live auction, where bidding took place for items including lunch at the Tyrrell’s Vineyard in the Hunter Valler with acclaimed winemaker Bruce Tyrrell, a BMW 3 Series for the weekend courtesy of Bruce Lynton BMW and a tennis racquet signed by Roger Federer.

Guide Dogs Queensland CEO Chris Laine said she was overwhelmed by the support shown by the MBA Partnership and the Gold Coast business community.

“We really value our relationship with The MBA Partnership and were so pleased to be involved with their golf day again this year,” Ms Laine said.

“It was great to see so many people out on the greens in support of charity. The generosity of all of the players during play and at the auction that evening was overwhelming.”

Ms Laine said the money raised would assist in providing a wide range of services to Queenslanders who were blind or vision impaired free of charge.

For further information please contact GDQ Media Coordinator Jessica Chad by phone: 3500 9019 or email: j.chad@guidedogsqld.com.au