Diamonds recipe for success for Challenge

PR Log (Press Release) – May 05, 2009 – On Thursday 18th June 2009 1400 women will join forces in support of Challenge at the 2009 ‘Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend’ Gala Dinner.

Monies raised from this event allow Challenge to further their parent and family support programs, aimed at giving parents back quality time with their children when they are not in hospital, through initiatives such as home help - with the house cleaned and lawns mowed, parents can enjoy ‘personal time’ to re-focus and re-energise. Important services like these would not be possible without support from this event.

Now in its 25th year of operation, Challenge continues to provide daily support to children living with cancer and their families.  The range of services Challenge offers provide hope, alleviate stress, boost morale, and most importantly, they allow families to spend time as a “normal” family.

Although charitable organisations are finding 2009 to be a tough one with dollars spent on donations falling, Challenge has been inundated with ladies wishing to attend this glamorous event and tickets sold out in a matter of hours with a waiting list of women wanting to purchase tickets. Last year the night helped to raise more than $120,000, all of which went directly to continuing parent support programs.

“It is a true testament to the Women for Challenge committee and their dedication to continuing to make this event a fixture on Melbourne’s fundraising calendar. Without their community contacts and months of hard work behind the scenes this event would not have grown at the rate it has” marvels Challenge CEO David Rogers.

Each committee member is a successful business woman in her own right with Chairwoman, Anna Higgins juggling some of the biggest names in the music industry in her role at touring giant Mushroom Group, as well as being a mother of two. Giving her time and expertise to Challenge has been fundamental in growing the Diamonds Dinner. “Working on behalf of an organisation that strives to provide exactly what is needed by the children and families they exist to support is reassuring to me. The past twelve months have seen huge growth in the Challenge program, particularly in the area of Parent Support, and this would not be possible without funds raised through this amazing event”.

This event is unique in that it is a women only event, one which has become a much anticipated ‘Girls Night Out’. Groups of women come from far and wide, with some attendees even making the trip from interstate.  

Given the phenomenal growth of this event, an important objective for Challenge going forward will be the juggling act between branding of the event and growing awareness for the Challenge program.  

With an event of this size and nature, the organisation has had to be careful that the Diamonds Dinner branding has not grown independently of Challenge’s identity. “We made a conscious decision this year to weave what it is that Challenge do day in and day out into the fabric of this event. This will ensure that every guest leaves the evening with knowledge of our program and our extensive works” Rogers said.