Brisbane CEOs Dancing Against Domestic Violence

In light of the devastating deaths of three Queensland women due to domestic violence, and subsequent national outcry, it’s timely to announce the third ‘Dancing CEOs’ fundraising event in support of Women’s Legal Service.

The statistics on domestic violence are confronting, and frightening:

·       90% of victims of domestic violence are women.

·       Every three hours a woman is hospitalised from domestic violence.

·       This year, two women a week are losing their lives to domestic violence. This is double the rate of 2014.

·       Domestic violence claims the lives of more Australian women under 45 than any other health risk.

·       Women’s Legal Service assists over 3,700 women and their children affected by domestic violence every year. Resource constraints mean that they cannot help 16,000 more Queensland women who attempt to contact the service. 

The previous two years saw prominent CEOs don their dancing shoes and shimmy, sashay and strut across the stage, vying for glory. The combined fundraising total was over $139,000. 

Next year there will be 14 CEOs participating in a dance off, with routines choreographed by Mad Dance House. Last year saw the moonwalk, disco, classic rock, hip-hop, samba and Grease themed numbers. What they have up their sleeves for next year is top secret, and eagerly anticipated. 

Dancing CEOs 2016 will be held on April 15 at Brisbane City Hall. While the event is fabulous and fun, there is a serious fundraising component. All CEOs are required to raise at least $10,000.

“All money raised from Dancing CEOs 2016 will go towards a new helpline, which will allow the service to answer 700% more calls every year,” says Women’s Legal Service Coordinator, Rosslyn Monro.

“The annual running cost of this helpline is $200,000. Every dollar raised will mean that Women’s Legal Service can help more women and children in need.”

The CEOs involved in the 2016 event hail from a variety of business sectors, and are all passionate about making a stand against domestic violence.

David Smith                       – Motize

Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo     – PRDnationwide

Elena Gosse                     – Australian Innovative Systems

Ian Reynolds                    – Brisbane West Chamber of Commerce

Janet Benson                   – Bluemint Property Management

Jellaine Ross                   – Cherry Blooms

Karen Sanders                – Real Serious Games

Mark Middleton               – Radiation Oncology Queensland

Richard Triggs                – Arete Executive

Sue-Ellen Watts            – Watts Next

Warren Swanston          – Visie Properties

Amelia Hodge                – Queensland Law Society

Owen Muir                    – The Idea Cloud

Jock Fairweather           – Little Tokyo Two

 

Women’s Legal Service encourages community support, and has set up a fundraising page. Every cent helps.

Women’s Legal Service support and donation page: www.wlsq.org.au/support-us/donate.

Each CEO has their own fundraising page and also urge the Brisbane business community to show their support.

To sponsor a CEO: www.dancingceos.com.au/2016-ceos.

Tickets sales are pivotal, so invite everyone you know to come along to what is sure to be the most exciting event on Brisbane’s fundraising calendar.

Tickets are available now: www.dancingceos.com.au 

To see last year’s CEOs in action: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgx7UgUtzZ3QZN0kCQ2vinQ

It is an evening not to be missed, and may just help save a life.

As Women’s Legal Service is a not-for-profit organisation, everyone involved in promoting and participating in the event are generously donating their time and services.

All CEOs and Women’s Legal Service spokespeople are available for interviews

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