Aussies dig deep for a worthy cause

Disadvantaged young Australians will benefit from the more than $500,000 raised through the major YWCA NSW fundraiser on May 30.

In addition to generous funding of $50,000 announced at the Mother of All Balls by NSW Premier Mike Baird, the 450 guests at the Ball, including many of Australia’s leading corporates, put their hands deep into their pockets to support the cause.

Funds raised will fund programs that support young Australians, particularly the Big Brother Big Sister initiative that helps disadvantaged children.

YWCA’s ceo Anna Bligh has issued a heartfelt thanks to the many individual and corporate donors.

“More than 3000 at-risk children and young people have already benefitted from our unique mentoring program, Big Brother Big Sister, and the incredible success of our Mother of All Balls will help fund this powerful initiative over the coming year,” Bligh said.

Among the high profile guests were Australian actors Simon Baker and Rebecca Rigg, incoming YWCA NSW Chair Elizabeth Bryan AM, Mirvac ceo Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, associate professor Charlie Teo, NRL coo Suzanne Young, and many more.

Josephine Sukkar and Jill Davies, global strategy and events consultants, have served as co-presidents of YWCA NSW for the past four years.

Renowned chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan prepared an exquisite Black & White themed menu for the event at Sydney’s Town Hall, while YWCA NSW patron Rachel Ward co-ordinated a range of extraordinary auction prizes including a day in theatre with Dr Teo, and a Sean’s Panorama Lunch with Bryan Brown, Sam Neil and Simon Baker.

Bryan Brown, along with other mentors spoke movingly of their involvement in Big Brother, Big Sister.

“Unfortunately, there’s an ever increasing need for our work with young people, with women and with families, and we are very grateful to everyone who turned out for our Mother of All Balls event and who continue to support YWCA NSW financially and by volunteering their time,” Bligh said.

Major corporate sponsors included Qantas, Telstra, PWC, KWM, News Ltd, NRL, EY, Deloitte, Angove and Beerbud. Boutique event production company Team Event created the bespoke event.