The $300 donation was given to the Red Shield Appeal so that Mount Isa Salvation Army Lieutenant Helen Whittle could finish her performance of Van Morrison’s Moondance. 

The Salvation Army soldier was caught unawares at the Mount Isa Red Shield Appeal Breakfast at the Terrace Gardens Function Centre on Saturday when master of ceremonies Tony McGrady declared her talent – and urged her to perform half a song. 

And then he asked the audience of approximately 50 head to bid her to perform the rest of it. 

A bidding war between Mr McGrady, the former mayor, and State Member Rob Katter lifted the value of the performance before Terrace Gardens owner Sonja Wessels cleaned them out with the winning bid. 

Singer Saberina Gasio’s following performance raised a further $250 for the Red Shield Appeal’s coffers.

Once again, Mr Katter’s and Mr McGrady’s bids increased the value in the auction before the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Centre’s manager Maggie Shumack declared the final bid. 

Lieutenant Brad Whittle confirmed his talented wife was put on the spot when she performed but that it was good that the opportunity came up. 

“Tony is a box of chocolates, we never knew what we were going to get,” he said. 

About $3500 was raised from the breakfast, which included a $1000 donation from the Rotary Club of Mount Isa South West.

Key items in a silent auction held at the breakfast included a Queensland State of Origin shirt to be signed by a Brisbane based player of the winning bidder’s choice. 

The shirt was won by Salvation Army volunteer Bill Park, who bid $105 on the shirt. He was hoping Broncos’ captain Corey Parker would sign it, although was of the understanding that Parker could be tricky to pin down for a signature. 

Councillor Jean Ferris bought a football signed by the Cowboys the morning after their victory over Broncos in Townsville. She bought it for $120. 

She also bought a framed photograph snapped by Michael Grimaldi for $290. 

The flying padre Lieutenant Simon Steele, who visits outback stations by helicopter, said the event had gone well. 

The Red Shield Appeal was “very important” for the Salvation Army’s programs in the North West Region. 

“We only get donations from the bush or the Red Shield Appeal,” Lieutenant Steele said. 

However, the costs for the flying chaplaincy service in the North West were efficient. 

“It’s a private operation, so we save a lot of money on that.” The Salvation Army hoped to raise $8000 in the appeal from Mount Isa.