The 20th Wests Illawarra Gala Night for The Disability Trust reached its target of $100,000 for local children with disabilities last weekend.
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In the process more the 270 guests also shone a spotlight on the children and families who live with disabilities.
“Those funds will be split between our Kids Fund charity and our new state-of-the-art Dapto Respite House,” The Disability Trust’s Matthew Martin said.
Among those to benefit from last Saturday’s We Can Be Heroes themed fundraising night were Janeen Young and her daughter Carly, 7.
The Disability Trust’s Kids Fund has helped Carly, who has cerebral palsy, with equipment to help her get around.
“I had never been to the gala night before and it was a great night,” Mrs Young said.
“Kids Fund has helped with Carly’s walking frames. They have helped us the last two years.’
The Young’s were one of three families featured on a video that showed where the funds go and the difference that makes.
Mr Martin said the planned respite house will provide respite in the form of short term accommodation.
The five-star facility will also provide clinical services and other programs for local children.
Mr Martin said the We Can Be Heroes night was also designed to be a wonderful celebration of the children and families in the Illawarra community who live with disabilities every day.
“The support and funds we receive from event sponsors, partners and attendees enable The Disability Trust to purchase life changing equipment for children in our local community,” he said.
Wests Illawarra brand and marketing strategy group executive Stacey Corbeski said Wests Illawarra was a proud and long-term supporter of The Disability Trust’s Kids Fund charity.
“We are excited to see the community once again rally together to support and raise funds for this important initiative,” Ms Corbeski said.
“We Can Be Heroes reflects the heroic nature of children with disabilities and their families as they overcome adversity on a daily basis.”
Among the many highlights of the 20th gala night was a tribute to the late Gracie Wallis.
“We said straight up at the beginning in our welcome that the night was in special memory of Gracie,” Mr Martin said.”
We were also able to acknowledge the community for the $20,000 it has raised for the Gracie Wallis International Women’s Day Scholarship.
“I think Susan Wallis set out to fund it for two or three years. But she told me on the day of Gracie’s funeral she wanted to get to 10 years. And she has done that.”
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
