Foundation Gala Ball
Monday 2 September 2024
Gala Ball Raises Nearly $80,000 for St Leonard’s College Aspire Scholarship Program
“ Thank you to our incredible College community for your generous support of our Foundation’s event.”
Our inaugural Foundation Gala Ball on Saturday 31 August was an exceptional success! Held at the stunning Centrepiece at Melbourne Park, this event not only strengthened the bonds within our College community but also united us in support of a truly worthy cause – raising much-needed funds for the St Leonard’s College Aspire Scholarship Program, supporting refugees, Indigenous and socially disadvantaged students.
The evening was nothing short of spectacular. Guests were treated to a premier dining experience with exquisite food that set the perfect tone for an elegant night. Adding to the joyful atmosphere was the Baker Boys Band, whose infectious energy got everyone on their feet, dancing the night away to their favorite hits.
The excitement of the night reached its peak during the live auction, where spirited bidding made for some thrilling moments. The highly sought-after items included the Taylor Swift autographed guitar and the Billie Eilish Super box for 18 people. The event also featured a silent auction filled with unique experiences and items generously donated by College families and local businesses. Please see the hyperlinked list below of the local businesses who supported this worthy cause.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to our wonderful host, Livinia Nixon, for leading the night with her grace and charm, and to live auctioneer Nick Renna and the team from Jellis Craig for conducting a truly exciting live auction. Special thanks to InnovateGPT Group, our Live and Silent Auction sponsor, for their tremendous support, and to Jen Neate, our Chair of Foundation and Council, along with Nicole Haydon, for their outstanding work in sourcing and organising the silent auction.
Thanks to the generosity of our guests and the collective efforts of the College community, we raised almost $80,000 from the raffle, live and silent auctions, and event donations. These funds will go directly toward supporting refugee, Indigenous, and socially disadvantaged scholars at St Leonard’s College, giving them the opportunity to access a world-class education.
This evening of elegance, fun, and philanthropy would not have been possible without the help of many. We extend our deepest appreciation to all the College families, local businesses, and individuals who contributed their time, effort, and donations to this event.
We look forward to continuing our Foundation’s mission of providing 100 scholarships in 100 years and supporting an education for life.
Thank you to our Silent Auction Donors