Mix glamour and generosity with a heartfelt message from special guest speaker Gina Chick and you've got 2024's Illawarra Women's Health Centre 's gala fundraising night. Subscribe now for unlimited access . Login or signup to continue reading Held at the University of Wollongong's Uni Hall on Saturday, the fire and ice-themed event attracted a crowd of 245 uber-generous people, the health centre's general manager Ali Anderson said.
"A whole new team was involved in the organising this year and it was the most wonderful night," Ms Anderson said. "But one of the biggest takeaways was just how beautifully connected the Illawarra is and how, in a very difficult economy, we managed to have our best fundraising year." "And that's down to the open hearts of the Illawarra.
Their generosity was evident from the very start of the night." A profit of more than $17,000 will be ploughed back into the centre and will go towards the cost of toiletries, nappies, moving vans and the like. They're among the essentials, Ms Anderson said, that so often get overlooked.
Well, even before as the health centre initiative of providing six women, and a friend each, with a glitzy night out enjoyed all sorts of support. The women stayed at the Novotel, and had their hair and make-up done before the Dressed for Success crew helped out with their evening wear. "The feeling in that apartment as everyone was getting ready was just sensational," Ms Anderson said.
Those good vibes continued thanks to special guest Gina Chick, who is so much more than the amazing first winner of the Australian TV show Alone. She's also a rewilding facilitator, adventurer and writer who shared her philosophy willingly with the captivated crowd. "It was a beautiful speech that essentially said we need to open ourselves to the world," Ms Anderson said, "and see what comes back.
" In Ms Chick's case it was the raffle. "But you know what she did next? She broke it up and gave it away to our clients," Ms Anderson said. As she did on the night, the health centre's GM thanked the night's supporters - from the MPs and councillors in attendance to the community partners and donors.
"It's a privilege to be able to do the work we do. So seeing so many people wanting to support us empower women is very humbling." And even more photos from the gala night More from Latest News.
