Walk. Why Not? Ball 2011

 

 

Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) opened Australia’s first Project Walk certified facility in Brisbane in 2008. Since those humble beginnings, we expanded to Sydney in 2010, and by the end of this year SCIA will be bringing the Walk On program to both Melbourne and Perth. Twelve months ago, Victorians Rod and Danielle Watson conceptualised the Walk. Why Not? Glitz and Glamour Ball after Rod participated in the Walk On program in Sydney, and on Saturday, 13 August 2011, the Walk. Why Not? committee brought together 200 people at Melbourne’s CQ Function Ballroom to raise much needed funds to establish the Walk On program in Melbourne.   

What a glamorous crowd it was! The men looked debonair in their suits and the women dazzled in their beautiful gowns. The theme of ‘glitz and glamour’ with a nod to old Hollywood was certainly felt with arriving guests being met on the red carpet by ‘Marilyn Monroe’ and ‘Audrey Hepburn’. Tasha Amaroso and band then entertained guests as they exchanged their ‘pretty pink’ feather boa gift cards at the ‘Feather Boa Bonanza’ prize table for some fabulous prizes.

To make the event truly worthy of the name ‘Glitz and Glamour’ tickets to the ‘Glitz and Sparkle’ raffle were snapped up by guests in the hope that they would be the lucky winners of the 0.75ct Diamond earrings set in white gold donated by Terrace Jewellers. Dancers from Kreationz School of Dancing and Cheerleading danced the crowd into the ballroom before comedian and Master of Ceremonies, Des Dowling officially welcomed guests. There was a frenzy on the silent auction table where more than 40 fantastic items were on display. 

With all the fun and frivolity of the crowd, it was great to see the serious side of the evening taken to heart by our guests. Peter Perry, SCIA’s CEO began the speeches with a video presentation of Walk On client Nathan Handley and his experience of Walk On, and then expressed his pleasure and pride at being a part of an innovative organisation with a wonderful 44 year history that helps so many with a wide range of client focused programs. Peter then welcomed the real ‘celebrities’ of the evening – Danielle and Rod Watson.

Watching the crowd listen to Danielle’s heartfelt words about the daily frustrations faced by people who have suffered a spinal cord injury and the perseverance it takes to remain positive about the future, I witnessed many who were overwhelmed with emotion. It was a real eye opener to many guests who were simply unaware of how much life changes after a spinal cord injury. Rod proudly spoke of his delight with the results he had achieved with the Walk On program, crediting it with his increased strength and function. Rod believes that the next phase in his recovery is being able to be a part of an inhouse Walk On program saying, “imagine what i could achieve if I had Walk On here in Melbourne”. Guests then watched a video from another Walk On client, Rhys Tappenden.

Our MC Des then handed over auctioneer duties to Chris Bell who energetically raced around the room taking bids and starting a bidding war on the five unbelievable live auction items – a five star holiday to Norfolk Island, a Cam Sinclair/Crusty Demon experience, four tickets to the 2011 AFL Footy Show, a Puffing Billy experience to learn how to drive a 120 year old steam train and the opportunity to commission an artwork by artist, Bernice Daher. These items collectively raised $12,500, a tremendous result! Walk. Why Not? raffle and lucky door prizes also were available on the night.

But what’s a party without dancing? DJ’s Troy and Shelley of Feel Good Events cranked up the party tunes and the HSI Photo Booth was in full swing with guests using the props to create some funny photographic mementos to take home.

 

The ‘pumpkin’ hour arrived all too quickly and with a final announcement by Peter Perry that SCIA now has a partnership agreement with Victoria University’s School of Sport and Exercise Science to host Walk On Melbourne at their Footscray Park campus, the night came to a close.

 

From all at Spinal Cord Injuries Australia and Walk On, we must say a very big thank you to the Walk. Why Not? Committee: Danielle and Rod Watson, Leanne and Glen Campsell, Tara Abraham, Lisa Taylor, Emily Henderson, Lauren Horwood and Danielle Ryeland. With their amazing effort and the support of donors and guests we raised $60,000 on the night, a phenomenal effort by all.

To check out more photos of the event please visit our Walk. Why Not? Ball page here.

We look forward to updating you with all the exciting Walk On Melbourne news in the coming weeks and months. To keep up with the latest Walk On information become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/sciawalkon).

If you are interested in holding a community fundraising event in your local area to support SCIA in delivering meaningful programs to those who have suffered a spinal cord injury, please contact us on 02 9356 1106.