Dazzling: Lara television presenter Catriona Rowntree models the necklace to go under the hammer for Karingal’s Melaluka Appeal.
JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
MEDIA personality Catriona Rowntree agrees diamonds are a girl’s best friend – but disability organisation Karingal is pretty keen on them as well.
Ms Rowntree modelled a $5000 designer necklace and earring ensemble to be auctioned at Karingal’s diamond jubilee gala dinner.
The dinner will celebrate Karingal’s 60 years of providing disability services while also launching Karingal Foundation.
Foundation executive officer Colin Frisch said the silent auction would enable anyone to make a bid for the stunning diamond jewellery.
“Geelong people have a chance to support Karingal and its work in making the lives of people with disability easier by placing a bid on the necklace and earring package,” Mr Frisch said.
“Proceeds from the silent auction of the jewellery will go to Karingal’s Melaluka Appeal, supported by the Independent.”
Duffs Jewellers principal Ben Duff said the Karingal Diamond Ensemble was the ideal jewellery to impress.
“The ensemble is a beautifully crafted solid gold pendant, hand set with one carat of rare white brilliant cut diamonds,” Mr Duff said.
“The pendant is threaded onto a reversible Italian-manufactured Omega necklace. The necklace is matched to a lustrous pair of diamond earrings.”
From its beginnings in 1952 as a play centre for eight children with disabilities, Karingal has grown to become the largest organisation of its type in Australia.
Karingal has more than 22,000 clients and almost 1500 staff in Geelong and across Victoria.
Mr Frisch said silent auction bids for The Karingal Diamond Ensemble were available by emailing foundation@karingal.org.au or phoning Karingal Foundation on 5249 8919 prior to the close of business on March 23.
