Phoenix and Starlight to Continue Brightening Young Lives

South East Melbourne Phoenix is excited to continue brightening the lives of seriously ill children and their families through their extended partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation. 

Starlight will continue as the Phoenix’s Official Charity Partner, with the club dedicated to its support of the incredible work the foundation does to help sick kids and their loved ones.

In the inaugural season of the partnership, the Phoenix and Starlight raised over $11,400 through fundraising initiatives, most notably the dedicated ‘Starlight Game’ at John Cain Arena. The game included a number of activations and encouraged fans to purchase wands that lit up the stadium during the pregame blackout.

(The Starlight Game was a highlight of the Phoenix's inaugural season)

A month out from the start of South East Melbourne’s second season, the club has already raised another $4,388 via virtual events, thanks to unbelievable contributions from the Phoenix family. 

The Starlight Stream Raiser event saw Mitch Creek, Adam Gibson, Kyle Adnam and Dane Pineau raise $2,252, while the team’s Starlight Sugar Free Me campaign raised $2,136 with participating front office staff giving up sugar for the month of November. 

Additionally, new star signing Cam Gliddon broke Starlight’s all-time high for video engagement on their Facebook page with a live virtual clinic streaming to homes and hospitals around the country.

Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said, “We’re all so incredibly proud of our community in supporting Starlight Children’s Foundation and are excited to continue to grow our fundraising initiatives.  

“Our players can’t wait to be able to return to hospitals around Victoria and put some smiles on the faces of children and their loved ones again soon.” 

Starlight CEO Louise Baxter said, “Everyone at Starlight is thrilled to be partnering with South East Melbourne Phoenix for the 2021 Season.  

“Again in 2021, South East Melbourne Phoenix are hosting a Starlight Day game to raise much-needed funds, enabling Starlight to support sick kids and their families at a time when they need it most. It is always a hit with kids and families when the Phoenix players visit the Starlight Express Room – inspiring the next gen of players! What a great partnership! We thank South East Melbourne Phoenix for rising from 2020 and Shining Brightly for Starlight kids!” 

Phoenix Media (11/12/2020)