2nd Annual 'In my shoes' Gala Fundraiser
2nd Annual 'In my shoes' Gala Fundraiser, Friday the 9th of October 2009
View photos from the 2009 gala
Wow! What a night! The Warwick Foundation's 2nd Annual Gala Fundraiser was a resounding success
Breakfast radio host and comedian, TWF ambassador and Gala MC extraordinaire, Tom Gleeson entertained the 600-plus guests, who included many members, their families and friends. The guests, including hot models Rhys Uhlich and Scott McGregor came to celebrate life, have fun and support the mission of The Warwick Foundation. Featuring inspiring speeches, the highly energetic live shoe auction with shoes signed by Australian celebrities, silent auction, raffle and newly introduced candy bar, the night was one not to be forgotten.
We are thrilled that a total of $50,000 was raised! What a fabulous result! These funds will be used to help young adults who are living with cancer.
The 2009 Gala guests were treated to an inspiring speech from cancer survivor, Kylie Poole. Kylie’s moving story brought tears and laughter from the room. Samantha Lehmann, The Warwick Foundation’s founder, and Dr David Thomas, Board Member implored the value and necessity of this foundation. With no other organisation in Australia offering the same services, their message to guests was vital.
Our live shoe auction was again extraordinary. The auctioneers from Nelson Alexander Real Estate managed to inspire the room with their lively manner and shoes auctioned were:
- Nick dal Santo - $550
- Kath Day-Knight (from Kath and Kim) - $300
- Kim Day-Craig (from Kath and Kim) - $550
- Rebecca Gibney - $500
- Craig Williams - $700
- Shane Warne - $1200
- Brad Johnson - $1100
- Greg Norman - $1400
- Eric Bana - $800
- John Bertrand- $600
- Cathy Freeman - $1600
- Toni Collette - $1000
The silent auction and raffle were also great successes, featuring items such as hampers, bikes, signed memorabilia and gorgeous love seat, from a large number of local companies.
Newly introduced this year the candy bar was a huge hit! Many guests stopped by for a scoop of just-released orange-flavoured M&Ms or to try their luck at guessing the number of M&Ms in the jar!
By and large, the night was one of excitement and hope. In addition to the fundraising, guests were treated to a wonderful three-course meal and live entertainment from band, Action Sam. The atmosphere was fun and friendly and all who attended had a great night.
A night like this does not just come together by itself and there are so many individuals and organisations that go above and beyond expectations to help. We extend a huge thank you to Tom Gleeson, whose humour entertained the crowd for the evening. Tom, we value your support so greatly and look forward to a long relationship. Thank you to all the generous celebrities for donating your signed shoes, to all our sponsors, including our major sponsor Kudos Villas, Nelson Alexander Real Estate, Atlantic Group , Avantage, Starcom Media, Techno Phobia and A grade Memorabilia. for their generous donations of goods and services, to our volunteers on the night and the committee for offering their time and expertise to ensure the smooth running of the event, to all our guests for opening their wallets and, importantly to our members. This foundation is for you, but cannot be possible without you.