Royal Children’s Hospital Celebration of Life

Raising money for a good cause is always a reason to celebrate. Especially when that cause is the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.

The ‘Celebration of Life’ Gala Ball was held at the Crown Palladium to support the truly remarkable work that the Royal Children’s Hospital do. It was the 11th annual fundraising event and bigger than ever, attracting a guest list of influential philanthropists, entrepreneurs and celebrities like Naomi Robson, Anthony Koutoufides, SBS’s Anjali Rao, Channel 9’s Clint Stanaway, Nova’s Dan Anstey, Olympic Basketballer Elizabeth Cambage and gold medal Paralympian Dylan Alcott.

The night’s Italian theme ‘Una Celebrazione della Vita’ translates to ‘A Celebration of Life’. Soft white feathers decorated each table and acted as a perfect symbol for the Royal Children’s Hospital Butterfly Ward’s gentle care.

An incredibly moving talk from Dr Rod Hunt had many in tears as he took the guests through some successful life-saving medical procedures from the year. This outstanding work can only be done with enough funding and the emotional reminder had everyone digging deep.

A host of generous companies contributed to the cause including Kirby & Kirby, Crown, Blush Photography and Hairhouse Warehouse. Bendigo Bank Strathmore donated an impressive $10,000 to the Royal Children’s Hospital. Melbourne Electric Bicycles, Sue Sensi, St Kilda Football Club and other businesses supported the silent auction with enticing prizes too.

The stunning event couldn’t have happened without the work of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Chairwoman and AROMABABY entrepreneur, Catherine Cervasio. Catherine was fundamental in making the Gala Ball an elegant, heartfelt and huge success. An inspiring woman forms an inspiring event that truly sets a gold standard for charity fundraising. ☆