“The simple things in life, let’s remember these.”
 
These were the words Haylie Dowson delivered to a sold out crowd at the Kalgoorlie Country Club with her husband Phil as they hosted their annual Starlight Purple Haze Cocktail party recently. 

Host your own Purple Haze Party
 
“Let’s remember these, friends, family, love, laughter, memories and supporting others,” Haylie said.
 
“That’s what tonight is all about and everyone should take a minute to think about what’s important to them.”
 
And, that’s exactly what the crowd did – smashing the record of $25,000 the country town had raised in 2013.
 
The close to 300 people who attended the cocktail function, along with donations from people who couldn’t attend, raised $55,500 for The Starlight Children’s Foundation, more than double what was achieved last year.
 
“It has been our most successful event, with a sell out crowd and an amazing group of tireless volunteers we couldn’t go wrong,” Haylie said.
 
In what has been a challenging year for the Dowson family, they had decided to take things back a notch for the party.
 
Their youngest daughter Tatyen has been battling a life-long bowel disease which has come with its challenges.
 
The time spent with her in Princess Margaret Hospital confirmed what Haylie already knew about the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
 
 “The irony of supporting something so amazing and then relying on the them to support us was a huge driving force for us this year,” Haylie said.
 
“It made me more determined because the smiles are few and far between and when they are delivered by someone dressed in purple, that’s priceless.”
 
Haylie had a message for Freo fans ahead of the club’s Starlight Purple Haze game on Saturday 29 March against Gold Coast at Patersons Stadium
 
“Have a go, it doesn’t have to be huge, every little bit counts. It could be just a barbeque where everyone donates,” she said.
 
“If you can, you should, and while I can, I will.”

Host a Purple Haze Party