25 years later ….
In 1999 Roy and Carol Langsford had a dream – that no other special person should suffer as Trish was suffering. Following an onerous approval process and joined by a wonderful team of volunteers, the Trish MS Research Foundation launched in December 2000 and 25 years later, our 25th Anniversary Ball, our Trish MS Silver Ball was held at Hilton Sydney on 13th September.
“Silver” was a fitting theme, celebrating 25 years of fundraising and funding MS research, the funds raised on the night taking the total amount raised for MS research by the Trish Foundation to over $8 million.
Led very capably by incomparable Celebrity MC Channel 7’s Johanna Griggs AM, supporters came from far and wide to generously contribute to the funds raised for high-quality Translational MS Research Projects.
Johanna was joined by special guests Ken Rosewall AM MBE, Hon John Alexander OAM, eminent MS scientists, generous Corporate VIP Sponsors and valued Trish supporters, all of whom contributed to the vital funds raised, whilst shining a light on the remarkable progress which has been achieved over the past 25 years.
One of the highlights of the evening was the awarding of the 2025 Trish MS Research Award to very worthy winner, one of Australia’s and the world’s all-time great tennis players, Ken Rosewall AM MBE. Ken attended the very first fundraiser in April 2001 and he has steadfastly attended the majority of our Balls over the past 25 years, supported Niall King’s Strathfield Golf Days and Dinners, our Bentley Celebrity Charity Golf Days, our Bar nights and other fundraisers. He has made an extraordinary, immensely generous contribution to the Trish MS Research Foundation – and his never-ending, unwavering support continues.
There were many other highlights of the evening. The Ball opened with a welcome video from the Foundation’s Patron, Dr Brendan Nelson AO, currently based in the UK. Guests were then moved by a beautifully produced video presentation from Producible/DMC Digital, which set a reflective, emotional tone. Johanna Griggs interviewed Professor Michael Barnett, a member of the Foundation’s honorary Scientific Research Committee, who spoke about the exceptional progress achieved over the past 25 years and shared great hope for people living with MS. Paralympian Carol Cooke AM, who lives with MS, followed with an inspirational keynote speech.
Music and performance brought the night to life. The Foundation’s resident soprano, Toni Powell, delivered a stirring rendition of Memory accompanied by a visual montage of the past 25 years. The Phantom of the Opera Duo wowed guests with two spectacular songs, while rising star singer/songwriter Ava Wilson, accompanied by Leo Papa on keyboard, performed a special original piece she had composed for the occasion.
The entertainment continued with a burst of energy. Two live bands — the Gladesville Guitar Factory All Star Band and Vibe Cover Band — had the ballroom rocking, while Kambala’s Dulcie Holland Orchestra delighted guests during pre-dinner drinks. As a final flourish, Kambala’s Pani Karamanos and Logan Birchall heralded the formal program by trumpeting guests into the ballroom. It was an amazing evening of fun, emotion, and nostalgia.
The Foundation’s honorary Auctioneer, Craig Marshall The Marshall Group, again conducted the Live Auction expertly and professionally, extracting every last dollar from guests and giving our funds for Translational MS Research Projects a great boost. Craig has been the Foundation’s honorary Auctioneer for the past 25 years.
Special mention and appreciation to Susie, Cathy and Sarah Hope who sourced and donated many Canberra Live and Silent Auction items, honouring people living with MS in the ACT, and raising significant funds for research.
Trish’s mum Carol Langsford, Chair of the Foundation, expressed her profound gratitude to everyone who supported the Ball.
“So many people, companies and organisations made very generous and significant contributions to the success of our Ball and the funds we raised for Translational MS Research Projects. We are truly thankful to each of them.”
“Our modest goals at inception have exploded into something we could never have imagined. The Trish Foundation continues to make a significant contribution to MS research in Australia, as well as the worldwide effort. We are proud to have contributed to research projects which have achieved world-first ground-breaking findings. We consider it a great honour to raise funds for MS research and we are really blessed to receive such outstanding, generous support since inception. From the pensioner who donated $5 in 2001 with an apology that she couldn’t donate more, to the extraordinary generosity of Philanthropic Trusts and Foundations and our Major Corporate Sponsors, every single person, Company and organisation is greatly valued and immensely appreciated, as are ‘Team Trish’ – all our hard-working volunteers, Ball Committee volunteers, honorary Board members and of course, our distinguished, eminent honorary Scientific Research Committee.”
“The Trish MS Silver Ball not only celebrated 25 years of extraordinary progress but also looks to a future filled with hope, discovery, and the unwavering support of our remarkable Trish community.”
