Generosity Shines at the 2024 BaptistCare Halo Ball
Generosity, kindness and community spirit were on show at the 2024 BaptistCare Halo Ball.
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27 September 2024
News
| BaptistCare
The event, a flagship on the BaptistCare calendar, raises much-needed funds for women and children escaping domestic and family violence. Each year, the fundraising target grows to ensure BaptistCare HopeStreet can continue its life-changing work. The 2024 Halo Ball was no exception; this year, the target was set at $400,000.
On the night, over 500 people came together and were reminded of the importance of the work BaptistCare HopeStreet teams have been doing for over 45 years. So far in 2024, at least 47 women have died from a domestic violence incident, 11 more than the same time last year.
“We are not exaggerating when we say we are in a national crisis and now, more than ever, we need to be a part of the solution,” said Robyn Evans, General Manager of Housing and Community Services with BaptistCare.
With representatives from NSW Police, community organisations, the corporate sector, business representatives, community members and the next generation of leaders through senior school volunteers, the message of togetherness wound its way through the evening.
“When a family makes the difficult decision to escape domestic violence, they step out of one impossible situation directly into another,” said Charles Moore, CEO of BaptistCare.
“It can be overwhelming to think through the size and scope of the problem and how to successfully end the cycle of domestic and family violence for good, but that’s where, when we work together, solutions can be found for what is a complex problem.”
With Natarsha Belling expertly guiding everyone throughout the evening, there were heartfelt moments when BaptistCare HopeStreet clients shared their personal stories via video, inspiring hope and showcasing with strength and vulnerability the complexities of family and domestic violence.
Paulini and Soul Empire had the dance floor full and vibes high as the evening progressed to the auction. That $400,000 target was top of mind as the auction began. There was incredible generosity during the live auction with over $100,000 raised on the night, a record in the event's history.
With record corporate sponsorship and continued generosity throughout the silent auctions and donations, it is incredibly exciting that BaptistCare not only met the target but exceeded it, raising close to $500,000 at this year's Halo Ball.
These funds will go directly to sustaining the BaptistCare Living Beyond Abuse and Brave Me programs for women and children. These programs offer long-term support, counselling, and empowerment to families as they rebuild their lives.
None of this could have happened without the incredible sponsors and supporters, the BaptistCare teams who organised this event and work with the community every day, our volunteers on the night and the HopeStreet clients who, through all adversity, so bravely share their stories and experiences so others might find safety and security.
You can find out more about the work BaptistCare HopeStreet does and how you can support it by following us on social media or reading more here.