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Footy Finals Fever kicks a winning score
August 20, 2026
Footy legends helped draw a crowd of generous business leaders, sponsors and very special supporters to Sofitel Melbourne on Collins on Friday 14 August for the biggest event in Footy Finals Fever history!
The sold-out lunch raised a record-breaking $450,000, helping ensure children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families, can receive the support they need.
From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was electric. Hosted by footy favourites David “The Ox” Schwarz and David King, the afternoon was packed with lively banter, insider stories and plenty of laughs.
Special guests Dyson Heppell, Brent “Boomer” Harvey, Peter Hudson, Chris Judd, Mark Robinson, Mike Sheahan and Jules Vallance took to the stage to share insights, predictions and reflections on the season, giving guests a unique behind-the-scenes look at the game we all love.
While football was the drawcard, the generosity of our guests was the real highlight of the day.
Throughout the afternoon, supporters dug deep through our raffle and live auction. Guests also donated more than 140 bed nights at Very Special Kids House, helping ensure families can access respite stays, end-of-life care and after death care when they need it most.
One of the most moving moments came when very special mum, Mel shared her family’s experience with Very Special Kids.
Mel spoke candidly about her son Wil’s complex medical journey, the heartbreaking loss of her newborn daughter Elle, and the life-changing support her family has received through respite care, counselling and bereavement services.
People say to me, ‘I don’t know how you got through it,’ and honestly, the scarier question to me is how I would’ve done it without Very Special Kids.
And the truth is, I wouldn’t have.
Every dollar raised helps ensure families can access essential paediatric palliative care services, including expert nursing care, counselling, respite stays, sibling support programs and bereavement services, all at no cost.
In another most memorable moment, Collingwood football star Jeremy Howe won the raffle’s first prize, an all-inclusive holiday to Bali. In a remarkable act of generosity, he immediately gifted the prize to Mel and her family, prompting huge cheers from the crowd.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our Finals Sponsors Sutton Grange and All Pour, our Match Day Sponsors Adriatic, Cupcake Queens and FoundIT, and committee members – Patrick Prendergast, Peter Sidwell and Justin Whitford. A very special thank you also to our speakers, volunteers and every guest who attended and supported the event.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Footy Finals Fever such an incredible success.
Together, you’ve helped ensure Very Special Kids can continue to be there for families navigating childhood life-limiting illness.
Ready for next year? Join the waitlist for Footy Finals Fever 2027 and beat the rush when tickets go on sale for one of Melbourne’s must-attend footy events.
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