The MS Society SA & NT marked an incredible 60 years of dedicated service at its dazzling Paint it Red Gala, at the newly-upgraded Morphettville Racecourse on Saturday, 5 October.
The event, which was a night to remember, drawing almost 200 supporters to a spectacular and heartfelt evening all in support of people living with multiple sclerosis in South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Hosted by the dynamic Shanelle Franklin, whom people will recognise as MC of the MS Society’s annual MS Mighty Swim event, the Gala showcased world-class entertainment that kept the entire room buzzing with excitement.
Guests were captivated by the extraordinary speed-painting of Australia’s own Brad Blaze, while the electrifying Billy Joel Tribute Concert kept everyone dancing into the night – the act that also wowed guests at last year’s World MS Day Dinner. A video featuring MS Society nurses and other staff was also presented on the big screen.
As a bonus, guests who bought VIP Gala tickets were treated to watching the last race of the day trackside and enjoyed an MS Society signature gin cocktail courtesy of Prohibition Gin.
The special evening was a celebration of the MS Society’s remarkable journey, with a nod to its past and present, and a look forward to the future continuing to serve clients with compassion, empathy and professionalism.
MS Society client Vicki Jessop who attended the Gala with her husband was full of praise about the evening.
“We had an absolute ball at the gala from the minute we walked into the beautiful room,” Ms Jessop said.
“Everyone was so friendly – people we didn’t know where talking to us. The video about the MS Society was very touching and when it played people started asking questions about MS.
“Brad Blaze, what can I say – an amazing, talented guy. The band was fantastic, the auction was great. All in all, a top night and we’re looking forward to next year’s!”
Another MS Society client, John Hannan, gave up concert tickets he’d bought in favour of attending the Gala.
“When you guys put on an event, you do it very, very well,” Mr Hannan said.
“It was brilliant. I thought the venue was excellent, very accessible, the MC and entertainment was fantastic.”
On the night, MS Society CEO, Jannine Jackson, took to the stage to thank guests for their unwavering support, calling them “the heart of our mission”.
“Your loyalty, generosity, and support tonight is what makes our work possible, and what makes The MS Society a lifeline for people living with MS,” Ms Jackson said.
“Because of the incredible support of people just like you, over the last 60 years we have seen groundbreaking improvements in treatments and care for those living with MS.”
Ms Jackson also shone the spotlight on the incredible work of the MS Society’s nurses who she said play a critical role in helping clients “live their best and most fulfilling lives” while highlighting the lack of funding to support this vital service.
“MS nurses provide a highly cost-effective model of care that can prevent unnecessary emergency department presentation and potentially, unplanned hospital admissions,” she said.
“The research is clear – they save lives and our healthcare system time and money. But right now, we can only fund one MS nurse for every 1000 clients, and that’s just not good enough. We can do better.”
Ms Jackson encouraged guests to “dig deep and make the night a roaring, and financial success”. The evening featured both live and silent auctions, with Brad Blaze auctioning four of his paintings, as well as a raffle and wine wall. In total, more than $86,000 was raised.
“Here’s to 60 years of life-changing care,” Ms Jackson said.
“Here’s to the nurses who make it all possible. And here’s to the future, where we will continue to paint the town red.”
A special thanks to our Gala sponsors, Multiple Solutions and Taylor’s Wines.
See all the glitz and glamour from the night here.