In his opening remarks to the 370 guests present, Owen Finegan, the charity’s CEO posed a sobering thought.
“The last eighteen months has taught us many things about isolation and hope, but it's important to realise that this is the plight of kids with cancer all the time,” says Owen. “Community spirit is not only really important for those children, but also for the sustainability of The Kids’ Cancer Project.”
Supporting partner of the event, WOTSO was delighted to have an opportunity to play greater role in The Kids’ Cancer Project’s fundraising efforts on the day. The company has been involved with charity since 2015 as Jessie Glew, Joint Managing Director of WOTSO explains.
“About six years ago, a group of thirty of us got together for a head-shave event to raise money for The Kids’ Cancer Project,” she says.
“We ended up raising $50,000 and it was in that moment that I realised that thirty individuals can really make a difference - imagine what we can do today.”
Guests generously gave to the cause through The Kids’ Cancer Project Bear Giving Tree (where guests could donate a teddy to a sick child in hospital), Swanky Socks x The Kids' Cancer Project collaboration, along with raffles, a business card draw, an online auction as well as luxury experiences that were hotly contested in a live auction.
In his role as event MC, Owen umpired a lively discussion between Casey Dellacqua, former No 1 Tennis Play and Dual Olympian; Joe Roff, former Wallaby; and Luke Ricketson, Rooster legend and Australian Kangaroo. The all-star panel shared some of their most fond memories of life as professional athletes.