This year’s Connect with Connect event not only met but exceeded all expectations, marking a milestone in our community-driven charity efforts. The annual event, held at the scenic Rochford Wines in the heart of Yarra Valley, welcomed over 100 guests, all united by a common cause – to support the young heroes of Little Dreamers.
Little Dreamers is an organisation dedicated to helping young carers who take on the responsibility of caring for family members facing disability, illness, or addiction. The result was heartwarming – a staggering $26,000 was raised, a testament to the generosity of the community.
The sun was shining which created a vibrant atmosphere inside and out, with lawn games taking place upon arrival. Delicious wood-fired pizzas and the rich flavours of Italian cuisine where complemented by a selection of local wines and gins. The talented acoustic singer, Jack Jess, provided the musical backdrop for the day, performing soulful tunes throughout the afternoon.
The auctions – both silent and live – were the highlights, with items like an exclusive dinner for six hosted by Chef George, tickets to Missy Higgins, and premium AFL tickets to Carlton vs Collingwood. The auctions significantly contributed to the fundraising efforts. Thank you to everyone who donated an item or experience.
A heartfelt appreciation goes out to Sasha, Laura, and Tasha from Little Dreamers, whose presence was a reminder of the event’s purpose. A big thank you to General Manager George Zakhour and the marketing team at Connect Facilities, whose six months of dedication culminated in an event that will be remembered for years to come.
Thank you to our corporate sponsors – Aston Insurance Services, Ellis Air Conditioning, Covelli’s Cleaning, Hydroflame Engineering, Frigrite Air Conditioning Pty Ltd, PEAQ Group, Macleod Aluminium, JMP Electrical Services, Kone, and Actualised Industries.
A final thank you to Rochford Wines, whose exceptional hospitality ensured a flawless experience. Their efforts in organising travel and lawn games added a layer of finesse to the event, making it not just a charity event but a celebration of community and togetherness.
As we reflect on Connect with Connect 2024, it’s fantastic to see that our initial vision to host a charity event has come to fruition and continued to be an annual celebration. Here’s to many more years of making a difference together.
We look forward to sharing with you how the donations raised will be shared with young carers across the country. Stay tuned for more exciting details.
