Classical pianist, David Helfgott, is one of nearly 30 celebrities who have literally lent a hand to help bring a special sparkle to the Mater Hospitals’ ‘Star Hands’ Internet auction.

The innovative ‘Star Hands’ project, part of the Mater Hospital’s inaugural ‘Star of Lights’ Christmas Appeal, will auction celebrity hand moulds to raise money for the purchase of essential equipment for the treatment of children and adults being cared for at the Mater.

Some of the most famous hands in music, entertainment and sport will be up for grabs including David Helfgott, Todd McKenny, Michael Crawford, Peter Garrett and well known local Brisbane author, Nick Earls!  The beautifully presented Star Hand moulds have been proudly created by Twinkle Toes Baby Hand and Feet Sculptures who specialise in the handcrafting, sculpting and framing (for a 3-D effect) of the reproduction of baby's hands and/or feet.

Given the diverse range of star hand moulds available, the ‘Star Hands’ Internet auction is anticipated to attract attention both within Australia and internationally.

‘ Many  Australian celebrities such as David Helfgott and Peter Garrett, have a huge international market. It really is exciting to think that thanks to the Internet, a local fundraiser can have a global appeal, enabling us to give seriously ill children and adults a big ray of hope this Christmas, ‘ Nigel Harris, Executive Director of the Mater Hospitals’ Trust said.

Although celebrities had to undergo the messy business of having their hand moulded, bidders can rest assured that all the finished framed and mounted products are very attractive and of a high quality. Given that all ‘Star Hands’ hand moulds are one off’s, they make uniquely special Christmas, Birthday and corporate gifts as well as ideal memorabilia keepsakes.

The ‘Star Hands’ Internet auction will run from 8 – 28 November 1999 inclusive with a special preview period of 3 to 4 days prior. It’s very easy: bidders can view pictures of the framed hand moulds on the auction web site and simply name their price for whichever celebrity hands they would like to bid for. The auction can be accessed through the Stuff Auctions web site at stuff.com.au  by activating the Mater Hospitals’ ‘Star Hands’ link. The winning bidders will be notified by November 30 1999.

It is anticipated that the Mater Hospitals’ ‘Star Hands’ Internet auction, in conjunction with the Mater Hospitals’ Star of Lights Christmas appeal, will raise approximately $100,000. To help provide a Christmas focus for the appeal, a giant Star comprising of 100 lights will be constructed in the grounds of the Mater complex. For every $1,000 raised through the auction and other appeal fundraising activities, a light will be illuminated. It is envisaged the Star of Lights will be fully lit at the end of November.

The funds raised will be used to purchase equipment for various departments throughout the Mater Hospitals’ complex including the Mater Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine, the Paediatric Urology Unit and the Division of Cancer Services.

The Mater Hospitals’ ‘Star Hands’ Internet auction and Star of Lights Christmas appeal is proudly sponsored by Channel 9 Brisbane, Twinkle Toes, Stuff Auctions (stuff.com.au) and Ozemail.
 
 
 

About Stuff (www.stuff.com.au)

Stuff.com.au is Australia’s first locally developed person to person online auction service. Designed specifically for the Australian market, and with over 4,500 listed items, the Stuff online auction centre provides an open forum for buyers and sellers to trade almost any item online in a cost effective and fun way. Stuff.com.au has the support of 3 of the major Australian success stories in the Internet world – OzeMail Internet, Australia’s favourite Internet service provider, The Trading Post Online, one of Australia’s most popular web sites and Start, Australia’s leading free email service.