he Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) is thrilled to announce that the long-standing charity partner of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, the You Are My Sunshine Foundation (YAMS), has reached its fundraising target of $1 million dollars with the help of generous motorsport fans over five years.
The local Phillip Island not-for-profit charity, which has been the official charity partner since 2012, aims to find a cure for the rare and deadly childhood cancer Neuroblastoma.
YAMS Foundation Chairperson, Jude Donahoo, who established the charity in memory of her late granddaughter, Khalilla, is over the moon to reach the fundraising goal she set just seven years ago.
“When we began in 2009 our goal was to reach $1 million dollars, however never in our wildest dreams did we think it would happen in seven short years. Leading into this year’s event we were only $52,000 short of our target so it is very fitting that we reach the seven figure milestone at this year’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix,” said Donahoo.
“It is now time for me to hang up the fundraising boots, however rest assured I’ll be staying in touch with all of the amazing people we have met along the You Are My Sunshine Foundation journey and we look forward to hopefully one day, finding a cure for Neuroblastoma.”
Australian rider and YAMS ambassador, Jack Miller, said, “I’m so proud of Jude and all the YAMS volunteers who have worked hard over the years raising the $1 million for this worthy cause – they deserve a shoey!”
Equally as delighted is AGPC CEO, Andrew Westacott, who is pleased to have helped Jude in a cause that has become close to the hearts of the Australian motorsport community.
“We are immensely proud of the You Are My Sunshine Foundation and Jude Donahoo for reaching their target of $1 million dollars for research into Neuroblastoma,” said Westacott.
“The fans who have attended the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix for the last five years have generously emptied their pockets and we thank you all for your support of this local Phillip Island charity.”
“Jude and her team are part of the Grand Prix family. Every single person involved in their charity is a volunteer who contribute their time to ensure that 100% of every dollar donated helps find a cure for this horrible disease.”
Since 2012, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and fans at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix have contributed approximately $430,000 of the fundraising total.
All proceeds of the YAMS fundraising efforts have been donated toward Neuroblastoma research being undertaken at the Peter McCallum Cancer Centre.
For more information please visit www.motogp.com.au and www.yamsfoundation.org.au.
during qualifying for the 2016 Michelin Australian Motocycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on October 22, 2016 in Phillip Island, Australia.