The annual ball is back in time to help 12 charities that have lost important fundraising opportunities due to the pandemic.
Many local charities were forced to cancel and postpone their fundraising programs last year as a result of COVID-19, which had a significant impact on their ability to deliver much needed programs to the local community.
ANZ Business Banking General Manager for SA/NT Brendan Rinaldi said after a really tough year there has never been a more important time to support charities and that this weekend’s ball and the charity raffle would help.
“The ANZ Community Ball, along with many other fundraising events, was cancelled in 2020, meaning that many charities wouldn’t have received funds they would have usually relied on,” Rinaldi said.
“We’re thrilled that we are able to go ahead with the event this year to raise money for the Jodi Lee Foundation and other great charities while bringing our local community together for a fun night showcasing outstanding entertainment and premium South Australian produce.”
Rinaldi said that although the event was sold out with some 750 guests attending, another great way to be involved for those who couldn’t make it was to buy a $100 raffle ticket to go into the draw for a Toyota Corolla Hybrid, donated by Peter Kittle Toyota.
ANZ was aiming for a $300,000 fundraising target and the key to meeting that goal was selling all of the car raffle tickets.
The public can also register to bid on more than 150 silent auction items, ranging from exclusive Australian holiday adventures to sporting memorabilia.
The major beneficiary and host of the fundraiser is the Jodi Lee Foundation which was founded 11 years ago when Nick Lee lost his wife Jodi to bowel cancer.
The Adelaide-based Jodi Lee Foundation now reaches millions of Australians through its national initiatives to empower people to take active steps to prevent bowel cancer – acting quickly on symptoms, screening for bowel cancer every two years from age 50 and leading healthy lives.
Jodi Lee Foundation Chair, Nick Lee, said hosting the ball allows the charity to educate more South Australians about the dangers of Australia’s second-biggest cancer killer.
“All partnerships are important, but this partnership with ANZ is saving lives,” Lee said.
Other major charities include the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Central Operations), LifeChanger, United Way SA, Hutt St Centre and Backpacks 4 SA Kids.
Rinaldi said that he was glad to be able to hold the event this year and thanked all those involved in the cancelled 2020 event for their continuing support.
“The support of the community and local businesses to hold over supplies, tickets and auction items to ensure this event can continue in light of COVID is a testament to the spirit and values of our people in South Australia,” Rinaldi said.
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