Local health and medical researchers received a major boost last Saturday night, with the 2012 HMRI Ball raising over $147,000.

Local health and medical researchers received a major boost last Saturday night, with the 2012 HMRI Ball raising over $147,000.

Newcastle’s Civic Theatre was transformed to resemble a mystical Secret Garden, with guests greeted by live statues on arrival and tables adorned with trees, secret gardens and twinkling tea-lights. 

HMRI Development Manager, Maureen Jack, said that the outstanding success of the 2012 Ball ensures that HMRI can continue to provide valuable grant funding to Hunter researchers.

“This is helping them to improve the health outcomes of people throughout our region and beyond both today and into the future,” she said.

Mrs Jack extended her thanks to HMRI guests, suppliers and sponsors who came together for the Ball to help support Hunter researchers.

“Every year we receive exceptional support from many individuals and businesses who donate auction items or essential services to the Ball.”

“A special thank you must also go to our major sponsors: Hunter Industrial Ceramics, peoplefusion, Multiskilled Resources Australia, Domayne, Crosbie Warren Sinclair Wealth Management, Gallerie Fine Jewellery and Autore, and Port Waratah Coal Service.”

HMRI Director, Professor Michael Nilsson was humbled by the outcome of the Ball. Professor Nilsson said that the result was a significant fundraising achievement, highlighting the generosity of the Hunter community.

“At a time when research funding is hard to come by, it is wonderful that people are still willing to put their hand in their pocket. It shows just how much people value the important work that our health and medical researchers undertake.”

“The 2012 HMRI Ball produced a fantastic result, not only for researchers but for the whole community. The more funding we raise for research, the more we can do to improve the health of the community.”