As a mother of five children Karen is passionate about raising children to value who they are and not what they look like and believes in helping adults understand the important role they can play in addressing negative body image and eating disorders issues. “With more than 70% of young Australians reporting body dissatisfaction, and its ranking as one of their top three concerns, this has a serious ripple effect on all aspects of their lives.

Addressing the known pathway between negative body image and eating disorders is a significant priority for Butterfly and Karen’s enthusiasm, profile and dedication to raising awareness of these issues and Butterfly’s work will be invaluable,” said Christine Morgan CEO, of the Butterfly Foundation. Ms Morgan said Butterfly chose Karen as its first ambassador in recognition of her commitment to advocacy and charitable fund raising through the Mrs Australia Globe competition. “Butterfly’s education programs, services and counselling work as well as their advocacy for eating disorders and negative body image, makes a huge difference in effective treatment of these illnesses,” said Mrs Gee, Ambassador for The Butterfly Foundation and Mrs Australia Globe. Ms Morgan said Butterfly looks forward to working with Karen as she raises awareness of these important issues and Butterfly’s work in the community. “It is a privilege to be chosen as the first Ambassador for The Butterfly Foundation and I am so proud to be working with Butterfly to help them change the way we look at ourselves, and to help young people love who they are – inside and out,” said Ms Gee. Ms Gee’s first event as Butterfly’s Ambassador will be to co-host the Ladies Long Lunch on the opening day of the 2012 BMW Sydney Carnival at Rosehill Racecourse on Saturday, March 24. Funds raised will go to The Butterfly Foundation. “If we can help our youngsters learn from an early age about positive body image, this will make a huge difference. The Ladies Long Lunch is a wonderful forum to raise awareness and raise funds to support the programs run by Butterfly,” said Ms Gee.

The Butterfly Foundation looks forward to working closely with Karen over the duration of her role as Ambassador. This Ambassador program builds upon nine years of consistent work by an army of volunteers and dedicated supporters. Butterfly looks forward to achieving its ambitious goals over the next two years with Karen’s assistance. The Ladies Long Lunch, raising money for The Butterfly Foundation, will be held on Saturday, March 24 at Rosehill Gardens. Tickets cost $165 and can be purchased at www.thesydneycarnival.com.au Congratulations Karen, and The Butterfly Foundation and The Australian Turf Club on a wonderful partnership!