Trish MS Golden Butterfly Ball

Butterflies and more butterflies dazzled the venue on 9th September at the Trish MS Golden Butterfly Ball – sparkling on the large screens in the Grand Ballroom at Hilton Sydney, worn by our guests in a multitude of ways, shining brightly from the gorgeous table centres, decorating the foyer and Ballroom and much more.

Having lost Roy Langsford OAM, one of the founders of the Trish MS Research Foundation, our passionate, hard-working team of volunteers stepped up even further, creating a fun, enjoyable evening and raising significant funds for the Trish Multiple Sclerosis Research Foundation Fellowship.

Special guests Barry O’Farrell AO, who recently completed his term as Australia’s High Commissioner to India and Rosemary, John Alexander OAM and Gill and tennis legend Ken Rosewall AM MBE who travelled from Queensland and was accompanied by his granddaughter Olivia, were joined in the Grand Ballroom by generous, passionate guests, many of whom have supported the Foundation since inception.

Expertly and warmly led by the inimitable Johanna Griggs AM, who again did an outstanding job as MC, the venue buzzed with fun and laughter, as guests rocked to the music of the award-winning band, Jellybean Jam and very, very generously supported the Foundation’s fundraising initiatives.

The Foundation’s very valued Patron, Dr Brendan Nelson AO, who has re-located to London, sent a moving video which started the Ball rolling.  Dr Nelson said on the video that he will offer himself to serve on the Foundation’s Board when he finishes his tenure in London, an offer which is profoundly appreciated.

Again this year DMC Digital produced pro bono, a special Video Presentation featuring Kat and Paul Colgan and their 7-year-old son Teddy, who articulately shared his thoughts about his Mum living with MS and his favourite things to do.

The Trish Ball this year was supported by the International and Australian MS scientific research community.  Professor Heinz Wiendl, University Hospital Münster, Germany and Professor Amit Bar-Or, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and members of the Foundation’s honorary Scientific Research Committee, Professor Michael Barnett, Professor Helmut Butzkueven (who travelled from Melbourne) and Dr Jennifer Massey, who were joined by Professor Jeannette Lechner-Scott, Professor Rodney Scott and Dr John Parratt, with apologies from other members of the Australian MS scientific community.  Johanna Griggs interviewed Professor Butzkueven and Dr Massey who shone a light on the remarkable progress which has been achieved since Trish Langsford was told there was nothing her neurologist could give her, as well as their thoughts on great hope for the future and much more.

Kambala made a tremendous, uplifting contribution, their Kambala Jazz Orchestra setting the scene with their exhilarating music during pre-dinner drinks.  The feature entertainment of the evening was led by acclaimed Soprano Toni Powell who needs no introduction to Trish Foundation supporters.  Toni was proud to introduce her pupils, Kambala’s Musical Theatre stars, Zara Psirakis and Siena Williams, who have both been accepted into The American Musical and Dramatic Academy/AMDA College of the Performing Arts’ studying Musical Theatre in the US and advancing their exceptional talents.  Panagiotis Karamanos was mesmerising on trumpet, complementing this special entertainment brilliantly.

Johanna Griggs interviewed Mt Everest mountaineer, the inspirational Jen Willis who is living with multiple sclerosis.  Jen dedicated her Mt Everest Climb to Trish Langsford and raised tremendous funds for the Foundation’s research.  Jen is the first Australian with MS to climb to The South Col at Camp 4, 7,900 metres.  You are an inspiration Jen!

Trish Foundation Director, Niall King OAM said, “Once again we have been blessed to receive extremely generous support from our valued Sponsors, our Corporate VIP tables, our extremely generous donors of donations towards the Trish Multiple Sclerosis Research Foundation Fellowship, the incredibly generous donors of the tremendous array of Prizes for our fundraising, all our generous guests who filled the Ballroom and everyone involved in the success of our Trish MS Golden Butterfly Ball and the funds we raised for research.  Our team of volunteers is incredibly grateful to each and every one of you.”