December 9, 2010

On 9 December 2010 “The Mudgeeraba Foundation” had its annual donation ceremony in the Mudgeeraba Foundation Centre (MFC). First held in 2001 in the Old Post Office it is combined since 2004 with the opening ceremony of the “d’Arcy Doyle Art Awards” which is now one of the most prestigious art exhibitions in Australia.
Welcomed by the Hinterland Community Band the guests first attended an auction of 3 portraits of Karmichael Hunt in the presence of the Rugby/AFL star. 


After that entertaining introduction Ros Bates MP, State Member for Mudgeeraba, officially opened the ceremony which was also attended by Cr Ted Shepherd (Div 9) and other distinguished members of the community.          
      
Then Dr Peter Ochsenbein, owner of the Foundation and Director of its Trustee Mudg Pty Ltd made donations to 9 local and regional organisations and institutions (total value: $22,200).


Also sponsored by the Mudgeeraba Foundation was the prize money (total: $13,000) subsequently handed over to 7 artists by Earle Hinschen, founder and director of the exhibition who once again professionally organised the event together with a faithful and experienced team of hard working volunteers. For more details see Earle’s website (www.darcydoyleartawards. com.au).


To be added are the cost of a novelty search about a big audio-visualization project which was not realized. Another big project concerning rowing is pending because for its financing a co-sponsor is needed. Finally the Foundation contributed the art exhibition prize money of $13,500 (incl. People’s Choice Prize) which brings the total to $24,500+$13,500=$38,000.


Peter also mentioned the collection of 220 framed and labelled art prints (expressionists of 1860 - 1990) donated 2 years ago and since kept in storage. A CD with upgraded software was finalized recently and the collection offered to the Gold Coast Hospital which will soon have more than 1100 beds. He thinks that in view of the many rooms available the prints (value ca. $15,000) might be welcome. This will be decided by a Brisbane consultancy firm.


Since 2001 a total of more than $350,000 has been spent just for donations (tied grants) and loans to more than 40 individuals, teams, organisations and institutions.

Some Photos (made by Yuichiro Yanome - copyright Studio Yanome & Mudg P/L)


The organisations/institutions receiving donations (in the form of tied grants) were
  • The d’Arcy Doyle Art Awards for expenses in connection with the Street Party 2010
  • The Mudgeeraba Scout Group for the acquisition of tents
  • The Pregnancy & Family Support GC Assoc. for the purchase of child car restraints etc
  • The Gold Coast Hinterland Heritage Museum for restoration of an old streetlight
  • The Somerset Swimming Academy for the purchase & installation of security screens
  • The Gold Coast Philharmonic Society for financing a special chamber orchestra event
  • The Australian Society for Keyboard Music for the prize money of their piano competition
  • The Hopewell Centre for acquiring two shade marquees
  • The Gold Coast Hospital Robina Rehabilitation Dept. for a high quality leg trainer