Posted by Rohan on 14:37:47 28/07/02:

WWE GLOBAL WARNING MELBOURNE CHARITY GALA DINNER
- PLAZA BALLROOM ON FRIDAY AUGUST 9th

A special event that forms a part of Global Warning week in Melbourne is the Charity Gala. This black-tie event will see the cream of Melbourne's "movers and shakers' gather in support of Challenge - A Cancer Support Network.

The event, which features music from the Victorian College Of The Art's String Quartet and legendary jazz songstress Nichaud Fitzgibbon, a magnificent meal and the opportunity to bid for sought after collectables and high value items that have been donated.

The Charity Gala Dinner will be hosted by MC's Tom Gleisner and Santo Cilauro, from The Panel and special guests include WWE Superstars, The Rock, Stacy Keibler, Test, Torrie Wilson, Billy Kidman, Hulk Hogan, Mark Henry, Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho, Triple H and Edge.

Challenge: a cancer support network is Victoria's major provider of support services to children and their families living with cancer and other life-threatening blood disorders. Challenge provides more than $1.5 million of services each year aimed at improving the quality of life of these children and their families.

This is achieved through the provision of a full range of recreational and support services, including Camps, Family Activity Days, Hospital Support, Family Support Programs, Special Outings, and Education.

Challenge is also the oldest cancer support group in Victoria, originally formed more than 20 years ago in 1983 under the auspices of the Red Cross. Challenge's point of difference is that it provides personal and ongoing relationships with children and their families living with cancer and other life-threatening blood disorders that commences from the time of diagnosis and is available to the families for as long as they require access to it.

Challenge receives no government assistance and relies on a number of key sponsorships within the private sector and the goodwill of its supporters and community groups. Challenge has a small group of staff, which is funded through a private sponsor, thus ensuring that 100% of funds raised through other sponsorships and public fund-raising is applied to direct service delivery.

Challenge has more than 300 volunteers who act as leaders on camps and activities.