What a night! Everyone was certainly ready to party as we rolled back the clock to the 1920’s. Hilton Sydney was transformed to 100 years ago with signposts leading to Al Capone’s place and Elliott Ness’ house, a whiskey still looking imposing in the Ballroom, supporters dancing to music of the era and guests resplendent in their Roaring 20s attire. One could easily have imagined it was the 1920s!
Guests were met by the trumpeting skills of Pani Karamanos who expertly performed during pre-dinner drinks, setting the scene for the evening.
Buoyed by a last-minute exemption from NSW Health, allowing all guests to be seated in the Ballroom, on our fourth attempt due to the pandemic, the Trish MS Roaring 20s Ball was a roaring success, with guests enjoying all the great wine donated by Red Hill Estate. The Foundation’s funds for MS Research were given a significant boost.
The Trish Foundation Patron, Dr Brendan Nelson AO delivered a room-stopping key-note speech. You could have heard a pin drop in the Ballroom, such was our guests’ captivation of Dr Nelson’s brilliant, dynamic speech. Our team of volunteers consider ourselves immensely fortunate to be blessed with Dr Nelson’s very significant contribution in so many ways since inception in 2000.
Expertly led by Skye’s Tim Gilbert who was assisted by his brother Bill, the Ball featured an enthralling interview by Tim Gilbert of Professor Graeme Stewart AM. Professor Stewart is a member of the Foundation’s honorary Scientific Research Committee. He has recently retired from clinical practice, however continues to contribute to MS research in the Westmead Institute for Medical Research and to teaching at the University of Sydney. Guests in the Ballroom learnt considerably from Professor Stewart’s interview and very informative thoughts.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Trish MS Research Awards. Previous winners have been Professor Gilles Guillemin AM and Dr Edwin Lim (2017), Dr Brendan Nelson AO and Hon Barry O’Farrell AO, Joint Patrons (2018), Sue and Doug Meredith, DMC Digital (2019), not awarded due to the pandemic in 2020 – and in 2021 the Trish MS Research Award was presented to four very special people who have been with the Trish Foundation since 1999, before the Foundation was born: Professor John Pollard AO, a member of our honorary Scientific Research Committee for that entire time, Professor Peter Russell, also a member of our honorary Scientific Research Committee for that entire time and an inaugural honorary Board member, Gail Russell, an inaugural honorary Board member, making a significant contribution and Wendy Dodd, an inaugural and continuing honorary Board member, continuing to make a significant contribution. Special mention was made of Wendy’s late husband David who was also an inaugural honorary Board member.
Honorary Auctioneer Craig Marshall, Marshall. Chan. Yahl., who has expertly supported the Trish Foundation since inception, showcased his great auctioneering skills, entertained guests and raised very valuable funds for research in the Live Auction.
Guests were directed to the screens in the Grand Ballroom at Hilton Sydney and enjoyed a Roaring 20s performance by amazing soprano Toni Powell and Thomas Langsford and were also entertained by the great music of Lets Groove Tonight.
First Prize and Second Prizes in the Gala Raffle were two magnificent rings donated by Saffo Jewellery, ensuring tickets were greatly in demand both online and in the Ballroom.
Carol Langsford, Chair of the Trish Foundation and Trish’s mother, expressed her immense gratitude to everyone who supported the Trish MS Roaring 20s Ball.
“Our team of volunteers is extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of our Trish MS Roaring 20s Ball and to the funds raised for MS research. SO many very special people contributed to a wonderful evening and we express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved and to all our generous guests.”
“We are greatly indebted to absolutely everyone who has contributed to the success of our Ball this year and to the funds we are fortunate to have raised for MS Research. Our Patron Dr Brendan Nelson, our Celebrity MC Tim Gilbert and his brother Bill, Professor Graeme Stewart, our pro bono contributors and performers, our extraordinarily generous Corporate VIP tables, Sponsors, donors, awesome big-hearted supporters and our valued Team Trish volunteers all of whom continue to make a significant, extremely valued contribution to the Trish Foundation.”
Trish Foundation Director Roy Langsford added, “Given the extremely difficult circumstances prevailing with COVID-19 requirements, we commend our guests, volunteers and the Hilton Hotel personnel for their efforts in ensuring the successful running of our Ball”.
