BLUE SEPTEMBER NEWS

Blue September Launch

Last Updated: Wednesday 15th of September 2010 at 12:11:23 PM

The Launch of Blue September 2010

Last night George Calombaris’ exclusive Press Club Restaurant hosted the official launch of Blue September 2010.

CLICK HERE TO SEE GALLERY OR HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO INTERVIEWS FROM THE NIGHT.

The night was a huge success, with a mix of celebrities, campaign sponsors and media enthusiastically supporting the call to ‘face up to men’s cancers’ by getting their face painted blue for the campaign.

The guest list was extensive, with a mix of sports, television and radio stars all turning out to support the cause and talk about what Blue September meant to them. Amongst other faces going blue were Rodger Corser, John Aloisi, Melbourne Victory players along with coach Ernie Merrick, the Nova radio team Ryan, Monty and Wippa, Neighbours cast members including Alan Fletcher, David Parkin, and celebrity chef George Calombaris with his father (and co-star in their latest community service announcement) Jim Calombaris.

Mark Holden, who recently survived his own case of thyroid cancer, provided a passionate host for the event, speaking from personal experience about the new motivations for him personally to support the campaign this year.

One of the many highlights of the evening worthy of special mention was the announcement from Hyundai, confirming $10 from every car sold during the month of September would be donated to the Blue September beneficiaries for cancer research – a fantastic initiative expected to raise around $50,000 throughout the month.

Hyundai were incredibly generous with their support, further teaming together with Carlton Football Club for one of the auction experiences, the others being provided by Melbourne Victory, and the Ramada West Hollywood and the Villagio Spa and Inn together with V-Australia. All together the auction raised $5,500 for the charities, marking a great first day to the month.

It was a rewarding night for everyone involved, especially the people working hard behind the scenes to establish Blue September, with the ambition of really making a difference to men’s attitudes and their health.

These included David Brettell, CEO of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation, who took the occasion to speak briefly about the high hopes for Blue September and the philosophy behind teaming up with Bowel Cancer Australia and a prominent media campaign.

Dr Cameron Bell, on behalf of Bowel Cancer Australia, spoke about their involvement, before briefly interviewing George Calombaris about being a Bowel Cancer Australia Ambassador, and presenting their newest community service announcement featuring George with his father Jim.

The Press Club, decorated with blue carpet, balloons and lighting, proved the ideal location for the launch, and special thanks must go to George Calombaris, who along with providing the restaurant was actively involved in creating a unique canapé menu for the guests.

Music on the evening featured included an intimate performance from Boy in a Box, presenting their new Triple J featured hit and Blue September theme song, ‘Moon Comes Up’.

The final word though, was to be with found with A-League Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick. Throughout the evening, as part of a promotion to win a Hyundai i20 Elite, guests were posed the question, Who or what would you turn blue and why?’ The answer ranged from the thoughtful, to the hilarious, like Ryan Shelton’s ‘a steak because I like bubblegum flavour.’ But the coach and Scotsman provided the best response, channeling both his inner publicist and charity activist, when he replied that he would turn ‘himself’ blue, and do it because in order to spread the message he wanted to do ‘whatever it takes’.