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We’ve got a ‘Footy Fever’
August 7, 2024
On Friday 2 August, we held an unforgettable Footy Fever lunch – celebrating the greatest football rivalry in over 100 years of AFL/VFL history, Carlton v Collingwood.
A big thank you to our MCs Mark Allen and David ‘the Ox’ Schwarz for hosting this energetic afternoon, and musician Mike Brady for performing some of his classic football anthems.
Our panel, Brendan Fevola, David King, Mick McGuane and Dane Swan, kept us highly enthralled as they recalled their greatest moments on the field. Special mention also goes to guest Mick Malthouse who joined in the on-stage banter!
There were a lot of laughs – and even more heart – as our generous supporters came together to raise more than $370,000. These vital funds will help Very Special Kids continue to provide holistic palliative care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions across Victoria.
We were thrilled to receive pledges for 110 nights of respite and end-of-life care at Victoria’s only children’s hospice, Very Special Kids House.
During the lunch, very special mum – Louise – kindly shared her connection to Very Special Kids, as well as some stories of her own Pies v Blues family rivalry.
Louise and her husband Raymond are the loving parents of three children; 10-year-old Charli, and twins Axel and Aria. Axel is four years old, however his twin sister Aria sadly died when she was 19 months old from a rare, incurable disease called leukodystrophy
Shortly before Aria died, the family were rocked with the news that Axel had another rare genetic disease, IQSEC2, for which he requires 24-hour care.
Our world has been turned upside down in more ways than one... It is through the support of Very Special Kids, and generous supporters like you, that our hardest days are made a little bit more bearable. Your support is not just a financial transaction. It is a lifeline.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when later that afternoon, Louise’s name was drawn in our raffle, winning a 2024 Hyundai Venue that was kindly donated by our major prize donor, Hyundai Help for Kids.
Special thanks to our supporting partner Lowe Living, and in-kind partners Jetty Road Brewery and Sutton Grange Estate Wines. We’d also like to thank our many more in-kind supporters, including Everyday Australia Beer and The Cupcake Queens, for making this day possible.
Another thank you goes to our incredible Footy Fever committee Patrick Prendergast, Peter Sidwell and Justin Whitford. Without your support, Footy Fever wouldn’t have been possible.