Australia's largest private health fund has extended its efforts to help raise funds for victims of the devastating Asian tsunami by contributing $150,000 to the tsunami relief appeal at the Medibank International.
Twenty one thousand dollars was raised in around five minutes auctioning Lleyton Hewitt's racquet, generously donated by Hewitt, at the conclusion of his second round victory on Wednesday - with a $7,000 final bid by a generous spectator that was matched two dollars for every dollar by Medibank Private - equating to more than $4,000 a minute being raised!
The bidding continued on Thursday with $5,000 pledged by a spectator for another piece of Hewitt history and on Friday when the final bid hit $7,000. On both these days Medibank Private tripled the bid, resulting in $48,000 being raised over two matches of tennis.
Medibank Private then set a challenge for Alicia Molik when she hit centre court in the semi-finals of the women's singles on Friday night with $2,000 pledged for every ace served by Molik, she achieved nine raising $18,000.
The bar was lifted for the finals of the singles men's and women's on Saturday with Medibank Private promising $3,000 for every ace served by Molik and Hewitt. Hewitt served 14 and Molik served 12, both winning the championship and raising $78,000 for the appeal.
Medibank Private Managing Director, George Savvides, said "We are proud to help in anyway possible to help raise funds that will assist in re-building the areas destroyed in the tsunami."
"The devastation from the loss of lives, of homes, and of livelihoods from this disaster continues to astound, but the outpouring of support from the Australian public to make a difference for those who have suffered from this tragedy continues to inspire. I hope our contribution can help re-build lives."
During the Medibank International the Australian public have continued to give generously with World Vision donation bins located around the Sydney International tennis centre.
The money raised for the Tsunami Relief Appeal will go to UNICEF and World Vision.
Ends�
For further information please contact: Libby Woolnough Media Relations Adviser, Medibank Private - PH: 0411 659 060