Annual DinnerOn Saturday March 19, we hosted our annual fundraising dinner at the MCG Members’ Dining Room. The largest event on our annual fundraising calendar was a big success.

The night featured an engaging Frank Costigan QC Address delivered by Michael Coutts-Trotter, Secretary of the New South Wales Department of Family and Community Services, who spoke about the power of redemption and second chances. Guests also enjoyed a stirring rendition of Hallelujah by Artful Dodgers Studios participants The Travellers.

One of the key fundraising elements on the night was the opportunity for attendees to pledge towards our work with long-term unemployed people through our social enterprise cafes in Camberwell and Hawthorn. Our CEO Julie Edwards outlined how it costs the organisation $2,500 to put each participant through the program, and guests at the dinner contributed almost $40,000 towards this cause on the night. This generosity will allow us to put a further 15 (TBC) participants through the program.

The event also featured more than 20 silent auction items and two live auction items including a High Tea with Fr Frank Brennan SJ and a weekend away for six courtesy of the renowned Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld.

We thank everybody who helped make the night a success.