Health and medical research in the Hunter received a significant boost on Saturday 19 June, after generous supporters of the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) raised a fantastic $100,594 at The Ice Ball.

Health and medical research in the Hunter received a significant boost on Saturday 19 June, after generous supporters of the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) raised a fantastic $100,594 at The Ice Ball.

The event was held at a boatshed in Carrington that was transformed into a winter wonderland by a wash of cool blue light, silver trees and a large ice statue.

Local media personality Mike Rabbitt kept temperatures up by guiding 440 guests through frenzied auctions and dancing to the big band sounds of Masterpiece.

HMRI Development Manager Karen Brown said the event delivered on its promise of something a “little bit different” to inspire support for local health and medical research.

“The ball is a fun way for our major supporters to celebrate their investment in local health and medical research which, in time, will improve the lives of people in our community and throughout the world,” she said.

Money raised at The Ice Ball provides valuable grant funding to Hunter researchers.

This grant funding enables researchers to grow their ideas and attract highly competitive government and industry funding to further their research.

Karen extended her thanks to all HMRI supporters – guests, suppliers and sponsors – who came together for the Ball to help fund promising new research in the Hunter.

“We could not achieve such great results without the continued support of our major sponsors Autore, Crosbie Warren Sinclair Wealth Management, Gallerie Fine Jewellery, peoplefusion, Domayne and Tomago Aluminium as well as the many individuals and businesses who donated auction items or essential services to make the event such a success,” Mrs Brown said.