The atmosphere was charged with anticipation ahead of the no-reserve House for Life charity auction in Helensvale, with all proceeds going to Mater Little Miracles. Auctioneer Damien Cooley brought the hammer down on the winning bid at an impressive $986,000.
The auction followed a personal recount from sports reporter Sam Squiers about the most challenging time of her life. Her daughter Imogen was born at 32 weeks and spending many heartbreaking yet hopeful days at Mater’s Neonatal Critical Care Unit. Damien took the floor with an opening bid of $500,000. There were 18 bidders registered in the battle to win the stunning, custom four bedroom, two story Hamptons-inspired home, which was auctioned live onsite at The Surrounds master-planned community at Helensvale.
Mater Foundation Executive Director of Fundraising, Lesley Ray, said watching Immi Squiers run around on stage with mum Sam, and seeing other Mater Little Miracles having fun at the event, showcased how priceless the initiative is. “Seeing these Mater Little Miracles with their families at the auction brings home what this project achieves, making a real difference to our resources and research so that we can continue supporting families and their babies who require specialised care at Mater’s Neonatal Critical Care Unit.” More than 800 people gathered at Laurel Drive to watch the auction and be part of the action-packed free family fun day. Since the first House for Life home was auctioned in 2007, close to $3.5 million has been raised for Mater Little Miracles.
Amanda Reilly, Plantation Homes Marketing Manager, said she had goose bumps watching the auction. “We are so proud of this initiative because it is makes such a huge difference to the lives of Queensland’s tiniest patients, and we know it means so much to everyone. We are incredibly proud to have so many likeminded individuals and business’ alongside us on this project, who share in our commitment to giving back to the community”.
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