It's one of the most anticipated parties of the year and this year was no exception. On Friday evening, September 14th 2012, the 22nd Annual Dream Ball was held at the Parkside Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour Sydney. This extraordinary night is to celebrate the philanthropy of the Australian cosmetic, fragrance, and personal care industries and to raise the funds to support their charity, Look Good…Feel Better ( LGFB).
Black and White themed tables
Jan Samuels, newly appointed CEO of the program expressed immense gratitude, saying that “The funds raised will allow 10,000 Australian women, men and teens with cancer to attend a free LGFB workshop and as a result, face cancer with more confidence.”
The black and white theme was embraced by the fashionable crowd. Showing genuine commitment to their industry charity and displaying true generosity, over $450,000 was raised. This was well beyong expectations and means therefore that the entirely of Dream Week raised over half amillion dollars. These funds are essential for the ongoing community service provided to cancer patients in over 180 locations nationwide.
Look Good…Feel Better’s remarkable Patron and special guest M.C. Kerri-Anne Kennerley spoke of her own recent cancer experience, declaring, “I’ve learnt about fear, the mind numbing, chilling fear of that diagnosis. I now truly understand the journey and appreciate the beauty and power of Look Good…Feel Better more than before.”
Kerri-Anne invited Uri Ferster, Dream Ball Convenor, to the stage. He thanked everyone for their staunch support of the program and highlighted the milestones for the year including reaching the 100,000th patient.
Guests from supporting brand Bobbi Brown Australia
“The Dream Ball was not only full of generous companies and individuals who freely gave to contribute to this great cause but it also was a magnificent social occasion with lots of entertainment. The message of giving to help others was core to the evening. In tough economic times the guests proved that philanthropy was alive and well.”
Tennille Jago movingly spoke of her shock diagnosis at 32 years old and the pivotal role that LGFB played in helping transform her feelings about her appearance, and restoring her dignity at the end of her treatment.
The vibrant Todd McKenney and John Waters entertained the audience through the night before the luxury raffles were drawn, including a Citroen C3 Car, a Bally weekender bag and a Raymond Weil and Gucci watch. On the auction block was a stunning Chanel watch, a unique opportunity to spend an afternoon on a beautiful yacht on Sydney Harbour for eight people, a string of Autore pearls and a luxury holiday to Vanuatu including airfares.
The gala event drew a crowd of CEOs and key industry players from the Australian cosmetics, fragrances and personal care products industries. They joined forces with major retail and media partners. Guests included Paul Zahra — CEO David Jones, Phil Lynch- CEO Johnson & Johnson Pacific, and Terry Little, MD Estee Lauder Group of companies.
Zoe Foster — ambassador to the program along with Dr Penny Adams, medical spokesperson and Dr David Dalley, longtime supporter in his role as Senior Medical Oncologist at St Vincents Hospital, Sydney all attended to lend their support.
Look Good…Feel Better (LGFB) is a free community service program for cancer patients undergoing treatment to help rebuild self-esteem and personal image by providing practical support through the use of skin care, makeup, wigs, hats and turbans.
Since its inception in 1990, the Australian cosmetic industry has donated over 3 million units of product worth over $40 million to the program
www.lgfb.org.au