There’s been another reason to celebrate the success of the 2015 HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, presented by Sealy Posturepedic, with over $38,000 raised for the Connie Johnson Fellowship in Breast Cancer Research at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.
Connie, who is fighting terminal breast cancer, and her brother, top Australian actor Samuel Johnson, were special guests at the HM Awards in Sydney last Friday night (Sep 4) and a moving speech by both of them saw over 100 people get up on stage and make a donation.
Sam fronts the ‘Love Your Sister’ campaign, which was started when Connie set her brother a challenge – to set a new Guinness World Record for the most distance travelled on a unicycle, raise $1 million and spread Connie’s message of breast cancer awareness.
Samuel kept his promise to Connie and after travelling 15,955 kilometres over 364 days and raising nearly $1.5 million, on Thursday the 13th February 2014 he finished what was then the world’s longest unicycle journey.
Not content to rest on their laurels Connie and Sam have set a new goal to raise $10 million dollars and we need your help.
Last year at the 2014 HM Awards, over $35,000 was also raised and each bit helps Connie and Sam reach their new goal, which is to raise $10 million dollars.
On the night, a number of prizes were on offer to those who pledged a donation to the Connie Johnson Fellowship in Breast Cancer Research and the details of the prizes and winners are listed below:
SEALY POSTUREPEDIC EXQUISITE BED: Exclusively developed and made only in Australia. Features Sealy’s unique REST 2 COIL – true Responsive Support Technology designed to perfectly cradle and support every part of the body. There is nothing like the complete luxury and deep-down support of Sealy Posturepedic Exquisite. RRP $8,000.
WINNER: Stuart Maunder, Hansgrohe
NESPRESSO: A Nespresso Pixie and Aeroccino. RRP $349.
WINNER: Andrea Donaghy, Atura Blacktown
SOFITEL AUCKLAND VIADUCT HARBOUR: Two nights in a Junior Suite at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, including breakfast for two, plus dinner to the value of $150 at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Lava Dining, and a complimentary 60 minute treatment at So SPA.
WINNER: Andrew Pickering, ISIS Hotel Projects
FOXTEL FOR BUSINESS: A residential Foxtel subscription for 12 months worth $1,560.
WINNER: Nicola Chandler, Parkroyal Darling Harbour
INTERCONTINENTAL WELLINGTON: Two night stay at InterContinental Wellington in a Club InterContinental Guest Room with access to the harbour view Club Lounge.
WINNER: Charmaine Hardwick, Parkroyal Darling Harbour
RADISSON ON FLAGSTAFF GARDENS MELBOURNE: A Deluxe Suite for 2 nights including Dinner for two one night and breakfast both days.
WINNER: Kim Kind, Sky News Australia
NEW INCHCOLM HOTEL & SUITES, BRISBANE: Two nights’ accommodation at The New Inchcolm Hotel & Suites Brisbane – MGallery Collection.
WINNER: Robin Powers, IHG
RADISSON BLU HOTEL SYDNEY: One night’s accommodation including breakfast and access to the Business Class lounge.
WINNER: Matt Taplin, Wyndham Hotel Group
VALE BREWING: A case of Foxy Pony which is a collaboration between Fox Hat Brewing and Prancing Pony – two S.A. brewers. Only 600 bottles and 10 kegs were produced. It’s a blend of the Prancing Pony Red India and the Fox Hat Phat Mongrel Stout and is a huge 8% ABV.
WINNER: Jeremy Samuels, Mercure Sydney