STEPS Charity’s first ever Virtual Grand Winter Ball presented by BA Murphy Constructions, on Saturday July 20, was a huge success, filmed at Kawana’s Venue 114 it was streamed into homes across Australia.
The night delivered a truly unique fundraising event with amazing hosts, Lincoln Lewis and Samantha Heathwood, and supported by a star-studded line up, including ARIA award winning pop group Sheppard, and Australia’s most loved artists – Anthony Callea, Tim Campbell, Paulini, Taylor Henderson together with special guests and a mega raffle, dance performances, trivia and more, to celebrate ability and inclusiveness even during a global pandemic.
The Ken Mills Toyota trivia quiz was a highlight of the night with Ken Mills Toyota ambassadors Maddy McAuliffe and Laura Scherian, who teamed up with event host Lincoln Lewis and the star of the show, STEPS Pathways College graduate Tom Amerena.
STEPS Charity executive manager Rebecca Whitehouse said the response to the evening was overwhelming.
“We were inundated with messages of support, images from our guests at home and most importantly pledges to support the expansion of the STEPS Pathways College,” Mrs Whitehouse said.
“The night exceeded our expectations and provided a such a great opportunity to reignite and support the events’ industry on the Sunshine Coast,” Mrs Whitehouse said.
STEPS Group managing director Carmel Crouch said they worked hard to diversify their offering to bring a unique fundraising event that was fantastic in so many ways.
“Thanks to the support of our wonderful partners, the event went full speed ahead, with a whole new spin, we have so many incredible, talented people to thank for making this happen!”
“It was a lot of fun to see this high tech event come together and to see so many messages of support from faces old and new was just wonderful.
“Due to Coronavirus restrictions we could not host our annual gala event, but we were determined to support the most vulnerable in our community and deliver the lifestyles they deserve,” Ms Crouch said.
“I want to thank everyone who shared the night with us, and for digging deep to help us raise important funds for STEPS Pathways College and families living with a disability in our community.”
“We are committed to raising the funds for the expansion of STEPS Pathways College, Australia’s first college teaching young adults the skills for an independent lifestyle,” Ms Crouch said.
The event showcased true community spirit with local restaurants helping out to deliver dinner to homes on the night.
It not only raised vital funds, it celebrated the students, families and a community of amazing people who so generously give to make this world a better place, by focussing on ability and not disability.
An Australian first, STEPS Pathways College provides young people with a disability the opportunity to live brighter, more independent lives through their unique, immersive training college. The expansion to the boarding college is now underway with new students soon to move in later in the year. Find out more by contacting our team today.
