My Room Telethon raises $2.26m

Nine Melbourne’s Footy Show Grand Final Eve: My Room Telethon raised  $2,265,835 on Friday night.

Further donations over the weekend, including a special one from philanthropist Danny Wallis, made this the most successful Telethon since the first one in 2016.

Maurizio Marcocci, Chairman, and Margaret Zita OAM, CEO of My Room, said in a joint statement: “On behalf of the My Room Board, we are overwhelmed by the support from Channel 9 as it continues to provide us with the platform to tell our story. In a year like no other, and despite the challenges that so many people are facing, we were blown away by the level of support which culminated in the extraordinary total raised.

“The record-breaking amount of $2,265,835 could not have been possible without the generosity of our loyal business networks, pro bono partners, corporate donors, My Room ambassadors and the amazing team at Nine, including the talent who have given My Room Children’s Cancer Charity a voice.

“Most importantly, a big thank you to the public for their generosity, and to the bravery of the patients who told their stories from Monash Hospital – it is for them that we continue to work towards a 100 per cent cure rate. We will now forge forward to ensure that we get this money where it is needed. The children will get the best treatment they deserve in this country, as well as supporting them on their journey. Together we are definitely making a difference.”

Nine’s Director of Marketing and Partnerships Melbourne, Michelle Stamper, said: “Our Melbourne team are very proud to be part of this year’s incredible result for The Footy Show Grand Final Eve: My Room Telethon.

“Our thanks go to all of My Room’s supporters, corporate partners, and the public who have donated to help fight childcare cancer.”

Sunday Footy Show host Tony Jones, along with Billy Brownless, Nathan Brown, Matthew Lloyd, Damian Barrett and Kane Cornes, were joined by Rebecca Maddern and Shane Crawford in The Lott Hub for a jam-packed television spectacular that raised the astonishing funding total for My Room Children’s Cancer Charity.

The final tally means that the My Room Telethon has raised more than $7.205 million over the last five years. The funds raised will again go straight towards striving for better outcomes for children with cancer. This includes funding clinical research projects, improving the quality of patient and family care, and supporting the Monash Children’s Hospital Cancer Centre.

Sporting stars Shane Warne, Patrick Cripps, Max Gawn and Marcus Bontempelli joined the telethon live to show their support. Jordan Ablett opened up on her difficult year and new role as My Room ambassador. Plus, Grand Final coach Chris Scott gave us the last word live from the Cats’ Queensland hub less than 24 hours before the big game.

Footy fans were treated to their favourite Sunday Footy Show segments, including What Caught My Eye, a Grand Final edition of Browny’s Quiz and a Grand Final-worthy entrance to Billy’s List when Brownless, dressed as Angry Anderson, came on set in the Batmobile featured in the 1991 AFL half-time show.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as we shared the moving stories of four patients from Monash Children’s Hospital. Bonnie Anderson performed a tribute to the staff and patients and comedian Rusty Berther sang a homage to the famous AFL players that have graced his beloved MCG.

Once again, Simonds and Satterley have shown their tremendous support for the cause by donating a beautiful four-bedroom home built in the Arcadia estate in Officer. Unfortunately, due to COVID, the auction could not take place prior to the Telethon, however Simonds and Satterley made a generous pledge of $550,000. The Home for a Cure auction will take place on Saturday, November 14, at 11.00am. It is expected that the home will sell for more than $550,000, and an amount above that figure will also go to My Room.

Donations can still be made at www.myroom.com.au.