Ladybird Gala - 31 August 2024
By Louisa Filius – Gala guest and friend of Ladybird Care Foundation
On the final day of winter 2024, the weather played tricks on Brisbane, basking in the warmth of what felt like high summer. The city thrummed with life as locals flocked to RiverFire, cheered on an NRL game at Suncorp Stadium, and gathered at Brisbane City Hall for the 5th annual Ladybird Gala Dinner. As the sun dipped low, the joyous rhythms of the River City Steel Band danced through the air, mingling with the laughter of people sipping glasses of bubbles and savouring delicately delicious canapés. Brisbane City Hall, bathed in a brilliant crimson glow, set the perfect tone for the evening's theme.
When it was time to enter the Grand Ballroom, gasps of awe filled the air. Guests found their seats at 52 elegantly set tables, each adorned with programs, menus, sparkling glassware, shimmering cutlery, and gleaming plates. Candles flickered softly beside fresh rolls and jugs of water, their surfaces beaded with condensation. Above, the magnificent domed ceiling was a marvel in itself, with a giant ladybird making its leisurely way across the curves, capturing everyone's imagination.
The stage was set with the evocative words “Horizons of Hope,” hinting at the night’s forthcoming inspiration. At precisely 6:45 p.m., tenor Sebastian Maclaine - standing in for the ill Cameron Rollo - captivated the room with a breathtaking rendition of "You Raise Me Up." The audience fell silent, swept away by nearly five minutes of pure vocal splendour.
MC Duncan Armstrong OAM then took the stage, his rousing welcome and witty banter setting a vibrant tone for the evening. He introduced artist Caleb Jones, who was diligently putting the finishing touches on the fourth painting in his Ladybird series, Gloria in Excelsis. The painting was as vivid and striking as its predecessors, with the cochineal beetle seeming to radiate beauty and draw everyone’s gaze.
As the entrée was served with smooth efficiency and the live band Virtuosity played softly in the background, the clatter of cutlery was soon drowned out by animated conversations. Some guests, eager to explore the stunning array of raffle prizes and auction items, mingled and roamed, while others remained in deep conversation at their tables.
Greg Beech, one of the founding Directors of the Ladybird Care Foundation, took the stage to express heartfelt thanks to the sponsors. He was followed by Wendy Collins, the General Manager of the Foundation, who updated the crowd on their vision, the expansion of the Foundation nationally, and introduced the Peer Mentor Program Leaders: Leigh Donovan, Naomi Mason, and Samantha Adams. These extraordinary individuals, who have years of bereavement care and counselling experience, now train others to offer support as Peer Mentors to companion other bereaved parents.
The room buzzed with anticipation as the night’s auctioneer, Christian Hamilton, took to the stage. With the finesse and skill of a maestro, he masterfully coaxed nearly $40,000 from the assembled guests for a range of auction items, including holidays, sporting memorabilia, corporate experiences, and Caleb’s still-drying painting. The Silent Auction and Raffle were equally thrilling, featuring dazzling items and the enchanting Lys Coccinelle products - named in memory of Emma Pascoe, nicknamed “Lily Ladybird” , whose tragic passing at age 18 inspired the Ladybird Care Foundation.
Dinner arrived swiftly, just as everyone’s appetites were stirred by the evening’s excitement. As guests enjoyed their meals, the raffle results were projected on screen, accompanied by joyous squeals from the lucky winners.
The anticipation for the evening's speaker was palpable. The list of names of the children who have gone too soon, whose parents have mentored or been mentored in the Peer Mentor Program, set the tone. Previous guest speakers had shared profound stories of struggle, loss, and hope, and this year was no different. Belinda Williams took the stage, her story weaving the theme of “Horizons of Hope” into a poignant narrative. She spoke of the premature birth and death of her third son, Max, and the subsequent joy at the birth of her daughter, Tessa, two years later.
Her tale took a heart-wrenching turn as she recounted a devastating car accident only hours into a family holiday in New Zealand. The room fell into a profound silence when she said, “Stephen, Jasper, and Ruben didn't survive the crash,” as she shared a brief account of her own harrowing injuries and her resolve to live for Tessa, to be a remaining thread of the rug that used to be under Tessa’s feet.
Belinda's story was a testament to enduring unimaginable grief and discovering strength in community. It is almost impossible to understand how anyone can survive such a monstrous thing, but people do, and they keep going, as Belinda said - 60 seconds at a time. Her story is one of finding the shard of brightness when everything seemed impossibly black, of looking at horizons and finding hope, seeing kind faces, hearing stories of courage, discovering what is worthwhile and priceless; becoming part of a group no one ever thinks they will join, but knowing that as a Peer Mentor to other bereaved parents, she can provide empathy, support and share much needed hope.
As she concluded, there were few dry eyes in the room. Some discreetly dabbed at their tears, while others wept openly. But the mood brightened when Belinda shared a powerful message: “You are someone's hope. Thank you for coming out tonight. Thank you for your support, encouragement, and involvement… your love for parents in unthinkable pain.”
Wendy Collins' words, borrowed from Desmond Tutu resonated deeply: “Hope is being able to see that there is light, despite all of the darkness”. Horizons of Hope remind us that there is always something better ahead, even if we cannot see it yet.
As the evening drew to a close, Sebastian Maclaine returned to the stage to perform “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” offering a moment of solace and reflection. Virtuosity resumed playing, inviting everyone to hit the dance floor. A sumptuous dessert, followed by tea and coffee, capped off the night. The silent auction concluded, and raffle winners claimed their prizes, marking the end of an emotional yet uplifting evening before midnight.
