The Red Ball is an annual charity gala that usually takes place in Melbourne, attracting between 700 to 1000 guests for a night of fundraising, heartwarming stories of hope and an impressive entertainment line up.
This year marks the 24th year Red Ball Melbourne has been running, however it’s the first time the event has ever taken place in Adelaide (exciting!).
Held in the iconic Adelaide Town Hall, the funds raised at last Saturday night’s Red Ball Adelaide will be supporting the Back on Track Program.
Red Ball Adelaide
The program is the first education assistance program for children with cancer in the state. Back on Track is coordinated in partnership with the Department for Education and the Child Development Hospital School at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The Back on Track program is also supported by TeamKids the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The program helps children with cancer to continue their education while receiving treatment and provides assistance to the child with their transition back to school.
For the glamorous event, we were kindly dressed by Finders Keepers the Label and Keepsake the Label, both from Australian Fashion Labels.
Kristen and Taylah wearing Australian Fashion Labels
The night began with a stunning performance by Opera singer Sidonie Henbest and a special welcome by The Honourable Hieu Van Le AO.
The Fight Cancer Foundation’s two patrons, actor Hugh Jackman and wife Deborah Lee Furness were unfortunately unable to attend the ball but made sure to record a video message, which was played during the evening expressing their excitement of the foundation’s, work in Adelaide.
The inaugural Red Ball Adelaide was hosted by Channel 7’s Tim Noonan and also featured a performance by The Voice Season 2 champion, Harrison Craig. The 21-year-old crooner entertained the crowd with hits including Nat King Cole’s ‘Straighten up and Fly Right,’ and Robbie William’s ‘Angels’.
Jaimie Sortino and Kate Anderson
We were seated next to couture gown designer Jaimie Sortino and SIG the Label designer Kate Anderson who had both generously donated a prize for auction on the night. A custom couture gown by Jaimie Sortino which took over 100 hours to create was the first item auctioned.
The next item, one, which everyone in the room desperately wanted, was a voicemail recording by Hugh Jackman. The winner simply had to write down what they wished Jackman to say, and then could use the recording as their voicemail greeting and subsequently make all their friends and us jealous. Also on offer were luxury holidays, flights from Qatar Airways and an exquisite etching from artist Henri Matisse’s portfolio.
Red Ball’s Host Tim Noonan
The silent auction proved to be a hit with guest, taking place in the foyer and we spent a long time brainstorming ways to quickly work off a debt if we purchased an Andy Warhol Chanel No.5 advertising print from the 80’s. Believe me we considered many options.
Throughout the night, guests were also treated to a delicious three-course meal, including a classic tiramisu for dessert, complemented by exquisite Morgan’s Bay wines.
The night concluded with an energetic performance by The Talent Company with guests jumping to their feet at the end of the set to dance up a storm.
To find out more about the Fight Cancer Foundation or make a donation visit https://www.fightcancer.org.au
Images courtesy of Fight Cancer Foundation
