The Reed Charity Ball
7 January 09
The most anticipated event on the Sunshine Coast social calendar, the Reed Charity Ball, was a fitting way to open the new Sunshine Coast Function Centre.
With high expectations of the function centre, patrons were treated to a lavish ‘Out of Africa’ themed event, unprecedented in standard on the Sunshine Coast. With 500 glamorous guests arriving for the first ever event at the function centre, staff were really put to the test – and they excelled. "Our fundraising efforts have grown inleaps and bounds and now the Reed Charity Foundation donates more than $400,000 a year to worthy community projects," Harry Reed said. The recipient of this year’s fundraising effort was Family Challenge, a Sunshine Coast based, not-for-profit organisation that provides mental health services to our community. Mr Reed said "the Reed Charity Foundation is committed to supporting our local community, which is why Family Challenge was a natural choice as this year’s charity project". Established in 2004 by local Clinical Psychologist Dr Robi Sonderegger, Family Challenge promotes mental health in our Sunshine Coast community and is devoted to strengthening and celebrating young people and their families. The team at Family Challenge facilitate specialist psychological services for children, adolescents, adults and families as well as community outreach services, clinical research, mental health promotion and professional development. In less than four years, the establishment of Family Challenge on the Sunshine Coast has grown into the largest mental health service in the private sector. As a not-for-profit trust, all proceeds from outpatient therapeutic services are dedicated to charitable initiatives that promote mental health and stronger families. Founding Director of Family Challenge, Dr Robi Sonderegger said the team at the Family Challenge Clinic were very excited about working with the Reed Charity Foundation to ensure their services can continue on the Sunshine Coast. "The much needed financial support raised by the Reed Charity Foundation will go a long way towards continuing the mental health services we provide and will make a difference to thousands of young people and their families across the Sunshine Coast and beyond."