Thousands of dollars have been donated to the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation (HBCF) thanks to the overwhelming success of the inaugural Valley Estate Agents Charity Ball.
More than 150 guests came together at the East Maitland Bowling Club on Friday 29 August for an evening of entertainment, generosity and community spirit.
A live charity auction headlined the event, offering an incredible selection of prizes and driving support for the meaningful cause.
Valley Estate Agents managing director Sophie Abela said the night exceeded all expectations.
“Over the past few years, we’ve grown from strength-to-strength thanks to the support of our loyal clients right across the Hunter Valley,” she explained.
“We were proud to give back to the community that has given us so much.”
The ball raised more than $20,000 in total.
“It’s very good to give back to a worthy cause,” Ms Abela said.
“It was a great feeling knowing the community supported that as well… and it was nice to be able to give them a fun night, too.”
According to the HBCF, 58 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer every day.
The Newcastle-based not-for-profit provides essential information, care and support for people in the Hunter undergoing diagnoses and treatment.
“With breast cancer diagnoses only continuing to rise over the past decade, there has never been a more important time to show support through generosity and donations,” a HBCF spokesperson said.
The idea for the Valley Estate Agents Charity Ball came after the annual Knockers & Moles fundraiser, previously run by the Hunter Melanoma Foundation and HBCF, was cancelled last year.
“I used to sponsor that event,” Ms Abela said.
“I thought ‘that’s no good’, because it was a good cause and I really enjoyed it.
“So, I decided to do my own.”
Following the event’s rampant success, Ms Abela confirmed plans were already underway for an even bigger and better Charity Ball next year.
“We were just so pleased with the feedback and responses,” she said.
“It’s been awesome.”
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