A Record-Breaking Stars in the Garden

1 February 2019 / Supporters, Team

One of the highlights of our fundraising calendar, Stars in the Garden, was held on December 1, hosted by our generous and long-term superstar supporters, Melanie and Robert Champion de Crespigny.

Held in the stunning gardens of the Champion de Crespigny’s residence, guests enjoyed a wonderful afternoon which included spectacular food and wine; a lively auction hosted by our entertaining auctioneer Bernard Booth, and a fascinating orator in the form of our guest speaker, Professor Julian Savulescu. Highlighting the advantages of a better start in life, Prof. Savulescu had us all enthralled during his captivating address on genetics and researchers’ efforts to create super humans, not only in sport through performance enhancing drugs, but in everyday life.

As with every year at ‘Stars’, we were simply overwhelmed with the generosity and support received. This year exceeded all expectations. We were ecstatic to raise a staggering $472,000, which breaks every record in Youth Opportunities fundraising history. It also means over the past five years the event has been running, it has raised over $1.5 million!

Every single dollar from ‘Stars’ has been ploughed directly into Youth Opportunities services, meaning we can give more young people in need the opportunity to acquire the key skills, tools and habits to overcome adversity, build resilience and lead their best lives – young people like our student speaker on the day, Catherine.

With her brave and inspiring speech, Catherine shared with us all how YO helped her to overcome some of life’s hardest challenges and put her on the path to realise her full potential. As she told us: “I choose to be happy, I choose to grow, and I choose what I want my future to look like. I no longer feel like I’m drowning all the time and I know the choices I make now can help make a difference.”

From the whole Youth Opportunities team, an enormous thank you to everyone who was part of such a fabulous occasion. However, there must be special thanks to Melanie and Robert for their immense support and generosity; to our presenting partners Taylor Collison and Thomson Geer; to our sponsors Maxwell Wines, BankSA, together with Handmade Catering, Audi Solitaire, Coca Cola, Coopers Brewery, and our event committee. Your support was immeasurable, thank you.

Categories: Supporters, Team