Dining for a cause

July 27, 2022

Image of the people entering The George on Collins. There is a Very Special Kids banner at the top of the staircase.

Over the weekend, our supporting partner, The George on Collins, hosted Gather to Give – a delectable evening of fine food and delicious cocktails for Very Special Kids. The event raised a staggering $140,000 for children and young people who have complex, life-limiting conditions, and their families.

The exclusive one-night only event featured fine dining, music, and a live prize auction, all to support Very Special Kids in providing the best practice holistic paediatric palliative care across Victoria.

Very Special Kids parents, Dean and Marissa, kindly joined the evening to speak in memory of their daughter Allegra, who had a form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome. Dean shared:

“Allegra had some pretty serious moments in her life. Many seizures each day, a lot of it couldn’t be controlled with her medication. It’s just one of those life-changing conditions. We miss her every day. We get so much support from Very Special Kids, probably wouldn’t have coped as easily if we didn’t”.

Two adults and two children are standing outside, the adults are holding the children on their hip. There are trees in the background and they are smiling at the camera.

Thank you, The George On Collins, in-kind supporters, chefs and entertainers who made this evening possible. Your generous contribution to Very Special Kids, helped raise vital awareness and funds for the essential services we provide to Victorian families facing the most difficult of times.

Masterchef alumni Khanh Ong, Adam D’Sylva and Christy Tania joined the George on Collins’ head chef Kingsley Heron in the kitchen to offer a dynamic, collaborative menu showcasing their skills. DJ Havana Brown and Kimba Ward provided electric live musical entertainment throughout the evening.

Collage of three images - two of people speaking to the audience in front of a Very Special Kids banner, and one of a DJ performing.

Without the empathetic and dedicated support of organisations like The George on Collins, Very Special Kids would not be able to provide the best quality clinical, emotional and practical support families need to navigate childhood life-limiting illness.