Mayoral prayer breakfast sets fundraising record

A record $25,000 fundraising effort was today confirmed for State School chaplaincy programs across Redlands Coast at the annual Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast, bringing to almost $100,000 the amount raised in the past five years.

More than 280 people, including school chaplains, church and school leaders, government representatives, business people and community members, attended the breakfast at the Alexandra Hills Hotel Conference Centre.

Redland Mayor Karen Williams said this year’s fundraising effort had set a new mark for the most raised in any one year.

She said it was hoped the exceptional result would allow more Redlands Coast schools to benefit from the local chaplaincy program, which already supported more than 14,500 students.

“We really want all State School students across Redlands Coast to have access to vital chaplaincy services, with the success of the Mayoral Prayer Breakfast going a long way to supporting the service in schools that don’t yet have access to the program,” Cr Williams said.

“It really is important, as our chaplains provide timely care and mentoring, which helps students to realise their potential in this increasingly complex world.

“The programs run by chaplains make a positive contribution to our State Schools and the money we have raised will help to continue and extend that work.”

Cr Williams thanked all those who supported the event, especially the individual contributions of Albert Benfer and Esther Heidenreich.

“Albert and Esther have been generous supporters of this cause and I sincerely thank them, as well as the many other residents, business people and caring individuals who have sponsored and supported this outstanding effort,” Cr Williams said.

The sponsors and supporters included:

Diamond sponsors · Lee’s Environmental · Renaissance Retirement Living

Silver sponsors · Alex Gow Funerals · Anglican Parish of Waterloo Bay · Certified Roofing

Bronze sponsor · The Cage Youth Foundation

Event supporters: · CPC Production Services · Capalaba Carnations · McGuires Alexandra Hills Hotel · Vision Christian Radio