More Queensland children will soon be able to receive care closer to home, following the success of our 2026 Sapphire Gala, which raised a milestone $1,101,250 million.
Held under the night sky at Glo House in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, our 2026 Sapphire Gala brought together more than 240 supporters in a powerful show of generosity and commitment to children and their families across the state.
Sonia Kruger and Mike Goldman hosted the evening, which featured performances by Franky Smart, an electric harpist and all the sparkle that Sapphire is renowned for.
One lucky winner also walked home with the highly-coveted Sapphire Vault prize – an 18ct white gold diamond tennis necklace with two detachable yellow sapphires, designed in collaboration with Brownhaus and Rachael Armstrong.
Bringing care closer to home
Every day, the sickest kids from across Queensland, northern New South Wales and the Northern Territory come to Queensland Children’s Hospital. One in three come from outside of greater Brisbane.
For many families, that journey means thousands of kilometres, time away from loved ones and the strain of being apart when families need to be together most.
With the support of donors and partners at this year’s Sapphire Gala, we are working to change that.
At the Children’s Hospital Foundation, we are committed to improving access to care for children and their families, working hand-in-hand with rural and regional health services to bring life-saving care closer to home for every Queensland child.
Because when children receive specialised care within their own communities, their quality of life improves – and families face less emotional stress, financial pressure and disruption to their everyday life.
Last year, Queensland Children’s Hospital saw a 5.5% increase in rural and regional patient numbers, highlighting the growing demand for care closer to home.
With the philanthropic support of our Sapphire Community, we are moving closer to a future where distance no longer defines a child’s access to quality care.
A legacy to be proud of
At Children’s Hospital Foundation, we often talk about legacy – what we want to leave behind, and what we want to be known for.
In just four years, the impact of the Sapphire Committee has been significant. Together with their community, the Committee have demonstrated what is possible when we work together.
Their support has helped unlock world-first research into a novel cancer vaccine and accelerated access to new therapies and clinical trials for Queensland children.
To our Sapphire Committee Chair, Elizabeth Benson, and the wider Committee – your leadership is helping to set a new standard for philanthropy in Queensland.
Through your generosity, your influence and your commitment, you continue to turn ambition into action, and possibility into lasting impact.
Thank you also to our event partners – Canaccord Genuity Australia, Whairo Capital, Seven Queensland, Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Glo House, Fortis, Swyftx and Ricky Richards – and our event production, creative and prizing partners.
Partners like these play a crucial role in building our legacy – one where every Queensland child can receive life-saving care, close to home.
If you would like to help extend the impact of this year’s Sapphire Gala even further, you can still contribute today. Make a gift and bring care even closer to home for sick kids across Queensland.
The difference that shapes their world
Through supporting the Children’s Hospital Foundation, you can improve childhoods and ensure all children and young people have access to treatment - sooner.
