Star-studded night a win for girls’ education
Now in its twelfth year, the annual St Patrick’s College Gala Ball has concluded its most successful event to date, raising funds to support scholarships for more than 20 girls. This Ball is one of several large-scale celebrations held to mark College’s 185th anniversary year.
The Legacy of Light Gala Ball was Campbelltown’s night of nights and was hosted by multi award-winning performer Cameron Daddo, who brought warmth and wit to the stage.
Over 350 of Macarthur’s most prominent business owners, philanthropists and community members sat down to enjoy a sumptuous three-course meal at Campbelltown Catholic Club, however, not one of them could be found in their seats when Samantha Jade and her dancers stepped out to deliver an electrifying 20-minute set that included showstopping vocals, dance and an audience singalong. Samantha performed her original songs including “Bounce” and “What You’ve Done to Me”, along with classic crowd pleasers such as Tina Turner’s “The Best”, Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” and “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge.
College Principal, Mrs Mary Leask, thanked Gala Ball attendees, sponsors and supporters, without whom many families would not be able to access a St Patrick’s College education for their daughters.
She said the large turnout at the event demonstrated the strong support of the local community for young women to access quality schooling, to pursue their passions free of gender biases and to live freely and in safety.
“I have a dream, a dream where all girls around the world will have the same access to education as their male counterparts; where each girl feels strengthened by her peers; where each girl can flourish; where girls’ ambitions and aspirations are not only recognised, but fuelled and stoked by well-resourced education funding. Here, I acknowledge our many friends who work in the political sphere and urge them to consider wisely the debate around funding for schools,” Mrs Leask said.
“I am very proud of the hidden gem that is St Patrick’s College as it continues to enliven the wider community as a beacon of hope and light for young women.”
One of the highlights of the evening included an interview Cameron Daddo conducted with Stephanie Allington and Michelle Bunder, both alumni of St Patrick’s. When it came to choosing a high school, Stephanie wanted to follow in her sister Michelle’s footsteps and attend St Pat’s, but the sudden passing of their girls’ mother meant that the financial commitment would be prohibitive for their single-income family. This changed when Stephanie was awarded a scholarship that took her from Year 7 to Year 12.
“I’d like people to know that when you award a scholarship to one student, you’re also changing the lives of the whole family, who can feel secure that their daughter, or sister, is receiving the best education on offer,” Michelle said.
“It gave us a sense of peace and I know that, seeing the success Steph has had in her career, her St Pat’s education set her up for that success and continues to enrich her life.”
Stephanie, one of the few Australian artists professionally producing cyanotype photography, generously donated a framed work titled “Ashes of Creation” to the silent auction, which was sold to a delighted attendee.
St Patrick’s College would like to acknowledge the support of its major sponsors, without whom the Legacy of Light Gala Ball would not have been possible. The event’s Gold Sponsor was Walker Corporation; Bronze Sponsors were Campbelltown Catholic Club, Wests Group Campbelltown, Macarthur Memorial Park and Macarthur Engineering; Corporate Sponsors were Gavmanak, TRN Group, Mardens Law Group, the Rotary Club of Campbelltown and Wakeling Automotive.
More than 70 businesses donated funds, prizes, goods and services to the event, which made the Ball, the raffle and the silent auction a success.
St Patrick’s College students were invaluable to the night’s proceedings and we are so proud of the girls who attended to act as ushers, speakers and visual and performing artists.
Finally, the Gala Ball was organised by College staff alongside members of a volunteer organising committee and the school is grateful for the time, energy and expertise each contributor brought to the event.
The Legacy of Light Gala Ball marked 185 years of the College’s deep connection to the Campbelltown community and its ongoing commitment to educating young women and empowering them to make a positive impact on the world. Thanks to every member of the community who was involved in the event, St Patrick’s can continue to nurture students who want to attend our school, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.