Whits Ball Raises $75 000 for Kids Charities
Source: NSWRU
In typical Chris Whitaker style, a night designed to salute the man himself, ended up being all about fundraising for kids.
It was emotional, funny and extremely well supported. The Chris Whitaker Farewell Charity Ball raised $75 000 for the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Humpty Dumpty Foundation and HeadEast.
Supported by Front Row Events and NSW Rugby, the night long celebration of Chris Whitaker was hailed a resounding success at Royal Randwick.
“Around 700 hundred people attended the night and that’s a credit to Whits and the respect that he’s earned over his long association with the Waratahs and Randwick Rugby Club,” said NSWRU Chief Executive Fraser Neill.
The evening was hosted by former Wallaby hooker and Fox Sports commentator Phil Kearns with special guest appearances by HG Nelson and Sandman.
“The tributes from HG and Sandman were hilarious and although Wallabies were in camp they send video messages that poked fun at Chris’ receding hairline,” added Mr Neill.
The night also featured interviews with Chris’ brothers Tom (a pro surfer) and Ben (ARU High Performance Unit).
Chris is already on a well deserved surfing break before taking up his next challenge in Ireland playing for Leinster.
“NSW Rugby would like to thank Front Row Events, the Whitaker family, the AJC for providing a fantastic venue, and all of those great supporters who turned up to celebrate the career of one of Rugby’s finest men ever.”
Some photos are here:
http://www.wearbluefriday.com/photos/index.html
More to come soon.
