Qld’s next gen philanthropists rake in staggering amount
A new generation of socially-aware philanthropists have dazzled in Brisbane this month – contributing to one of the most significant charity gala results ever recorded in the state.
Some of the state’s most generous philanthropists raised more than $1 million in a single night this month – making it one of the most significant charity gala results ever recorded in Queensland.
Held earlier this month, the 2026 Children’s Hospital Foundation Sapphire Gala, which was attended by 240 people, raised $1.1 million – or about $4500 per head – for the Children’s Hopsital Foundation which supports sick and injured Queensland kids.
The record-breaking amount brings the total fundraising tally of the Sapphire Committee, which was established just four years ago, to a whopping $2.8 million.
It also helped cement its status as a driving force in next-generation philanthropy in Queensland.
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“Brisbane’s philanthropic community is evolving,” chair of the Sapphire Committee Elizabeth Benson said in a statement.
“Sapphire was founded as a partnership between the Children’s Hospital Foundation and a group of emerging philanthropists who wanted to take a more modern, community-led approach to giving.”
Benson said this had built “a community of like-minded, values-driven supporters” who saw philanthropy as an ongoing series of actions, rather than a once-off contribution.
Through a calendar of fundraising events – including the Sapphire Gala and the Sapphire Cup – the committee said its an “always-on model that connects people to the cause year-round.”
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“What makes Sapphire work is that it’s built on purpose, not pressure. People give because they want to be part of something meaningful and enduring.”
Despite the current economic situation, Benson said young Queensland philanthropists were determined to help create lasting change.
“Cost‑of‑living pressures haven’t changed the intent of serious philanthropists; they’ve sharpened it,” the group said in a statement.
Children’s Hospital Foundation head of philanthropy Alexandra Graham told InDaily the state has a strong and growing network of philanthropists.
“This isn’t one big cheque – it’s the culmination of many donations, mid-value and larger, from people who are genuinely committed to this community,” she said.
“That’s exactly what Sapphire is designed to be.”
Funds previously raised at Sapphire events helped establish the ACTION (Advanced therapies and Clinical Trials InnovatiON) Centre in October 2023.
The centre gives children living with rare diseases and complex illnesses access to cutting-edge treatments and potentially life-changing therapies.
They have also helped establish Australia’s first dedicated children’s immunotherapy research centre, which is crucial in developing breakthrough cancer treatments for kids.
The Sapphire Cup at the Royal Queensland Golf Course will be held in October.
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