The Melbourne Storm family has once again rallied together, raising a record-breaking $83,516 for the Starlight Children’s Foundation during its annual Starlight Round clash at AAMI Park.
Now in its ninth consecutive year, the partnership between Melbourne Storm and Starlight continues to go from strength to strength, supporting seriously ill children and their families through increased awareness and fundraising.
Branded as Starlight Under the Stars, the evening featured a host of family-friendly activations across the AAMI Park precinct. Supporters lit up the night with Starlight wands, creating a spectacular pre-game atmosphere.
Throughout the evening, volunteers collected donations and fans took part in various fundraising initiatives, all aimed at furthering Starlight’s mission.
Melbourne Storm’s major partner, RedZed, pledged $1,000 for every try or conversion scored by the team which they kindly rounded up to $10,000. CitiPower also backed the cause through its ‘Convert for the Kids’ half-time goal-kicking challenge, contributing $1,000 for every successful kick, which managed to raise $10,000.
Together, RedZed and CitiPower generously donated a combined total of $20,000 to the Starlight Children's Foundation.
Solar Battery Group also played a major role, powering the initiative with a one-off donation of $25,000.
Off the field, Starlight families were treated to unforgettable experiences, including participating in the guard of honour, coin toss, sideline viewing, and even running onto the field as junior mascots.
In the lead-up to game day, Storm players including Josh King, Bronson Garlick, Eli Katoa, Jahrome Hughes, Alec MacDonald, Moses Leo, Jonah Pezet, Sua Fa'alogo, Ativalu Lisati, and Kane Bradley visited children in the Starlight Express Room at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
The $83,516 raised sets a new benchmark for Starlight Round and highlights the ongoing impact of the nine-year partnership between Melbourne Storm and the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
