FUNDRAISING BOOST FOR RESCUERS MAKES TEENS MODEL CITIZENS
July 24, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FUNDRAISING BOOST FOR RESCUERS MAKES TEENS MODEL CITIZENS
Taya Rush and Charlotte Nielsen both know the lifesaving value of the rescue helicopter to communities in Central Queensland.
Charlotte’s father was rescued by helicopter after a serious workplace accident in the Bowen Basin and Taya has friends who were involved in two horror car accidents, all of whom were airlifted to hospital by RACQ CQ Rescue.
So both teens had incredibly good reasons to compete in the CQ Rescue Talent Search Competition, the largest fundraising talent search in the region, which raises vital funds for the Mackay-based rescue helicopter service.
Taya was crowned Overall Charity Princess and Charlotte was first runner up at event held on June 24 at the Mackay Conservatorium of Music. The competition was presented by Brooke Lee Modelling.
Taya raised $13,028.50 and Charlotte $7294.50 for the rescue helicopter service through their fundraising activities as part of the talent search.
Event organiser Brooke Hargrave, owner of Brooke Lee Modelling, said this year’s event attracted about 40 competitors and raised more than $33,000 for RACQ CQ Rescue, bringing the total amount raised in the last nine years to about $200,000.
“I’m so proud of all the contestants and their families as it was an incredible effort this year to raise this record figure of $33,000,” Ms Hargraves said.
“We’ve been holding the talent search for 9 years now and year on year the donation to CQ Rescue has increased, so we are so thrilled to be able to contribute to such a vital service which has touched the lives of so many people in this community.”
Taya had hosted a very successful charity golf day earlier in the year which raised $11,000, she said, and the contestants held a lucrative Krispy Kreme donut drive and pyjama party at Harvey Norman which was also well supported.
By entering and competing in the 2023 CQ Rescue Talent Search all contestants were also vying for the chance to be discovered by an international modelling agency as well as helping raise funds for a lifesaving local charity.
Ms Hargrave said the National Director of Australia’s Royalty Pageant, Hung Pham, sponsored the overall 17 years and over winning crown and also awarded local model Madison Richardson with a wildcard placement into the 2024 Miss Australia pageant which will be held in Melbourne.
The event was also attended by the Australian Director for Miss World Deborah Miller and Top Model International’s Sienna-Rose Jerak who awarded Annabelle Munt and Chelsea Hore direct entry into the Top Model Queensland State Final in 2024, which was incredibly exciting, Ms Hargrave said.
The event was primarily a fundraiser as well as a talent search, Ms Hargraves said, and each entrant over the age of four had paid entry fee or raised the entry fee and above through sponsorship and fundraising activities.
RACQ CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee said the community was incredible fortunate to have such generous support from the high-profile event which helped ensure the world-class aeromedical helicopter service on our doorstep and available anywhere, anytime throughout Central Queensland.
“RACQ CQ Rescue is a vital part of emergency support for all residents and workers in this region and it’s reassuring to know that both the contestants and event organisers appreciate the value of supporting our helicopter and that with their commitment we can continue to provide our vital, lifesaving service to anyone in a time of crisis,” he said.
“The reality is we rely heavily on sponsorships and donations so the community’s help is vital to keeping the helicopter available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and ready to respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice, anywhere, anytime.”
Taya Rush was crowned Overall Charity Princess and Charlotte Nielsen the first runner-up at the CQ Rescue Talent Search Competition which raised $33,000 for RACQ CQ Rescue. Pictured with event organiser Brooke Hargrave and RACQ CQ Rescue rescue crew officer Ben McCauley.
Please credit any released photos and video footage to RACQ CQ Rescue.
Please note: Full title of rescue service is RACQ CQ Rescue.
For further information please contact:
Naomi Noy
RACQ CQ Rescue
Ph: 0417 578 182