Community Has a Ball
Miracle Babies Foundation 6th Annual Ball was held on Saturday, 28 May 2011 at the Liverpool Catholic Club. Over 450 guests attended the event which raised almost $120,000. All funds raised go to the ongoing work of Miracle Babies Foundation who support premature and sick newborns, their families and the hospitals that care for them. A highlight of the evening was special guest and Miracle Babies Ambassador, Amber Sherlock, Newsreader from Channel 9 sharing her journey of the premature birth of her daughter, Piper.
Special guest, Liverpool City Mayor Mrs Wendy Waller was moved by the event saying “My husband Paul and I were very privileged to be invited again to the Miracle Babies’ Ball. The night for us is always a night of reflection because of the enormous courage, heartache and optimism of the mothers and fathers in the room who have experienced or are experiencing the issue of a premature baby and/or the sickness of a newborn. Miracle Babies recognises the loneliness and trauma felt by parents in this situation because of their own experiences; this makes it ever so real and ensures the issue is given the prominence and community support it deserves. While none of our four children were premature, I was and so was my sister so I do understand the issues that flow in a family during such an emotionally charge time. The Ball is both a fund raiser and a celebration. Congratulations on such a great event, we look forward to next year.”
Deputy Mayor Ned Mannoun made this comment “It was a brilliant night and it was great to see the generous support by so many in the community for this very worthy cause. Heart felt congratulations to the Miracle Babies team for their continuing support of families in what can be a very emotionally challenging time.”
“The evening was a great success, the commitment of this group of mums can’t be ignored, they have taken something which was very much a local and personal response to having a premature baby and made it into a national response and a national organisation. This issue affects many families and it’s a wonderful and humbling experience seeing the support given and the commitment displayed by these local women and their families – we are truly blessed.”
Ambassadors Vic Lorusso and Ron Wilson of Channel 10 News, were Emcees for the night which was busy with a live and silent auction, raffles and lucky door prizes. Vic Lorusso said “What a great night, everybody opened their hearts and donated throughout the evening. It was a sensational ball perfectly organised by the Miracle Babies team. Great people, excellent entertainment and a heap of money raised, can’t wait till next year.”
Fellow host Ron Wilson said “I’d just like to apologise for having too much fun...AGAIN. To everyone who spent up big on the night: thanks a million for your generosity. You really are Miracle Heroes! See you all next year.”
Miracle Babies Foundation were pleased to announce the relationship formed with GelPack Enterprises Pty Ltd which manufacture the well known Nappy Sacks product. GelPack Enterprises Pty Ltd donated $10,000 on the night and also launched the new Nappy Sacks packaging which will feature the Miracle Babies Foundation logo. A percentage of all sales of Nappy Sacks nationally will be donated to Miracle Babies Foundation.
Guests were treated to a special treat by Danielle Matthews and Interstella with a live performance of the song ‘My Miracle’, written especially for Miracle Babies Foundation by Melinda Cruz and Dave Mannah. Entertainment also included ‘InterStella’ who always showcase a new and exciting performance. Feature entertainment had the dance floor full with a great performance by “Abbalanche” which had the crowd singing along.
“Every year just seems to get better and better. The whole team at Miracle Babies Foundation works so hard and we are always so grateful and honoured by all the support we continue to receive. What a great result!” Melinda Cruz, CEO said.
Annual Ball 2011
