When Caloundra businesswoman Coral Brown was approached by Wishlist CEO Lisa Rowe to be part of a special fundraising committee back in 2003 neither of them could have imagined the ride they were about to go on.
“I’d had a bit to do with local charities over the years and I was happy to find out more about the Wishlist project that Lisa wanted me to be a part of,” Ms Brown said.
“The idea was to have a house built, all services and resources completely donated, and then auction it off for profit to help fund the relocation and refurbishment of the Cancer Centre,” she said.
“It was a huge task and some of us sat there in awe initially thinking, ‘How is this going to happen?’ but what can I say – it did, and it has – two more times!”
The very first House The Coast Built in 2003 successfully raised almost $400,000 towards the new and improved Cancer Centre at Nambour Hospital.
“This was such a significant project for such a good cause – as all the houses have been – and it really brought the community together,” Ms Brown said.
“It’s something I still think about fondly having been involved with,” Ms Brown said.
Wishlist House followed in 2012 and made more than $350,000 for opthamology services on the Coast. And now The House The Coast Built 2015/16 is just weeks away from going to Auction on Sunday the 14th of February to benefit sick children, and children in need, on the Sunshine Coast.
Wishlist CEO Lisa Rowe said the charity was optimistic of breaking their auction record.
“Every year that we do the build there’s another level of excitement and expectation,” Ms Rowe said.
“The team from Ausmar Homes have really poured their heart and souls in to this luxury home and with more than 60 local businesses committing time and resources in to it, it really is The House The Coast Built and we’re incredibly hopeful that that is reflected come auction day!”
Coral Brown encouraged the community to take a keen interest in the Auction event.
“The bottom line is that you just never know when you’re going to need the local health service and it’s major Wishlist fundraisers like this that ensure our facilities and resources are the best they can be,” Ms Brown said.
