The Glades Ballroom at the Sheraton Mirage Hotel was at full capacity on Friday night as the community rallied together to show support, and raise money for the Shaw family who remain in Brisbane with daughter Evie who is battling a brain tumor.

Send your support for Evie at her Facebook Page.


In yet another example of a united community effort, around 700 people flocked to the Glades for 'The Bliss Benefit', a night of comedy, singing, dancing, and fundraising which saw over $13,000 go towards helping the Shaw's with the growing financial costs associated with Evie's condition.


Event organiser and babysitter of Evie, Katie Johnson, a Year 12 student from Mossman State High School said the concert exceeded her expectations.

"I was expecting to raise around $2,000. Now the final figure could be up to $15,000."

Katie's incredible efforts, combined with the generosity of local residents and businesses means that the Shaw family can concentrate on Evie's well-being.

"I especially want to thank the Sheraton, Audio Visual Solutions, and Staging Connections for their support," Katie said.

Lachlan Walker, general manager of Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas said they were only too happy to help. "This community is very important to us and we saw an opportunity to help Katie and Ali (fellow organiser).

"Many of our staff have children and we'd hope to be able to help anybody in that situation," he said.

Kylie Sampson, a family friend, has helped secure a furnished apartment across the road from the hospital in Brisbane, meaning the Shaw's have an escape from the sterile surrounds of the hospital.

"They have moved into the apartment and Evie now only needs to go to the hospital for about an hour a day," Ms Sampson said. "They are going the best they can under the circumstances."

The night ended on an emotional note with a video message from the Shaw's.

A special message from Kylie Sampson on behalf of Kylie and the Shaw family

I would like to sincerely thank all the participants that danced, sang and entertained us on Friday night for ‘the Bliss Benefit.'

A special heartfelt thanks to the organisers Ali Purcell and Katie Johnson who did a sensational job at short notice – which managed to raise over $13,000. 

The entire event was fully donated by local businesses including Audio visual Solutions, Staging Connections, and  Lachlan Walker and his Sheraton team, all of whom helped the organisers bring the event together. The Sheraton Glade is a Big and beautiful facility and much appreciated by all who attended. 

As emotional as it may have been for the locals to see the Shaw’s so upset, please be aware that the film was done by Katie whilst in Brisbane two weeks after Evie’s surgery.

The royal children’s team of experts are pleased with Evie’s progress to date, however she does have a long road ahead with radiation and chemotherapy. 

Both my family and the Shaw family feel very privileged to have the support of a BIG bunch of beautiful people within this community showing their support, especially during this hard time.