The Mai-Wel Group

Advocating the Lives of People with a Disability

Mai-Wel Logo

The Celebrity Comedy Debate

The Audience Decides.... Money CAN Buy Love!

Some of Australia’s most recognised celebrities teamed up with well-known Hunter identities to battle for bragging rights at the recent Mai-Wel Celebrity Comedy Debate, held on Saturday 6th August, 2011.

 

 
  
   
       
The controversial topic, ‘Money CAN’T Buy Love’, drew a full house to Maitland Town Hall, with more than 340 guests treated to a night of fun and frivolity which was kept in order by Master of Ceremonies, Carol Duncan from 1233 ABC Newcastle and Debate Adjudicator, Kristen Keegan, CEO of Hunter Business Chamber.

It was ex-political identity, Cheryl Kernot who commenced proceedings for the affirmative, gallantly supported by Principal of Woodberry Learning Centre, Nancy Snow and Team Captain Red Symons.

However they were no match for Team Captain of the negative and Prime 7 identity Tony Squires, together with 1233 ABC Newcastle breakfast presenter, Aaron Kearney and Mai-Wel Board Member, Jennifer Leslie who argued that ‘Money CAN Buy Love’ and were awarded the glory after a unanimous crowd decision.

Other highlights from the evening included the Debate Auction where ‘The I Give a HOOT About The Mai-Wel Group Perpetual Trophy’ left the home of last year’s inaugural winners, Arn and Denise Betteridge from Signature Clothing, and awarded to the highest bidder. This year it was local business man, Hilton Grugeon, founding principal of HunterLand, who paid a cool $2000 for the trophy, now affectionately known as ‘Harry the Hooter’. Hilton and Harry will spend the next year together and will feature on the Mai-Wel website and in The Maitland Mercury throughout the 12 month period.
 

Pennie Kearney, CEO of The Mai-Wel Group, was delighted with the outcomes from the event the funds raised will be put towards state-of-the-art equipment and sensory room fit out for the Mai-Wel Community Centre in John Street, Telarah.

“Each year the Debate gains in popularity and momentum and this year was no exception.”

“I sincerely thank each and every worker, volunteer, supporter and sponsor for their commitment to making the Debate a quality event for Maitland. In particular, I encourage the local community to support the local businesses that support and sponsor events like the Debate because without their contributions our events would not be possible,” Ms Kearney said.

The Mai-Wel Group wishes to thank and acknowledge the support of the following individuals and businesses whose support ensured the Debate was a success; Tony Cant Real Estate, 1233 ABC Newcastle, The Maitland Mercury, Prime 7, The Newcastle Herald, De Botortli Wines, Tooheys, Coca Cola Amatil, Mansfield Functions & Catering, Eclipse Media, Events & PR, Crowne Plaza Newcastle, Natalie’s Limosuines, A1 Audio & Lighting, Maitland City Council, Beavis Party Hire, Paramount Event Hire, Petersens Bake House, TimeSavers – A Division of Mai-Wel, Commonwealth Bank, Northern Highland Travel and Christophers at Maddies.