Masquerade Ball Countdown
20th October 2018
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Upcoming Events
Our Masquerade Ball will be held on 20th October 2018 at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.
To organise a table, please download our booking form here.
Early bird offer: Purchase your tickets by August 31 2018 to go into the draw to win a night’s stay at the Grand Hyatt for the night of the ball.
This is an input tax credit event, GST is not applicable on sales made at this event including ticket sales, raffles or auction items.
Results from our 2016 Ball
Our 2016 Ball raised $197,637 which was donated to three MS research projects including;
- Associate Professor Richard Hughes who is developing a new treatment for MS, based on peptides that promote myelin growth.
- Professor Helmut Butzkueven who is looking at the way that vitamin D changes gene activity in immune cells in people at risk of developing MS.
- Dr Chris Dwyer who is examining the role of a specific gene called MERTK in MS and its effects on the immune system.
Major sponsors
2016 sponsors
About Us
Our Mission
Charityworks for MS is a committed team of volunteers dedicated to raising funds to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS). Every dollar raised goes directly to MS research. We do not deduct any administrative costs from funds raised.
Having already raised over $1.3 million our aim now is to raise another $1 million for the scientists who will one day find that elusive cure.
Join us and one day you too may be able to say that you helped raise money for the cure for multiple sclerosis.
We are proud to be fundraising for MS Research Australia.
Our Team
Our team include Lina Marrocco OAM (Chair), Lorella Di Battista, Cory Pearce, Mick Profenna, Glennis Winnett and Gino Vigilante.
We are also grateful to have a very talented support team which consists of Jessica Lightfoot, Simon Merrigan, Liz Burgess, Wendy Dassie, Lina Di Prisa, Kelley Hagenauer, Julie Pearson, Millie Ventura, Graham Robinson, Louise Young, Stephanie Vigilante and Jane Sergi.
We would also like to mention the enormous and much appreciated contributions from previous committee members: Con Georgantis, Jodi Haartsen, Kathy Karakizos, Bill Sideris, Damien O’Shea, Phoebe McDonald, Bridie Murphy, Petra Sprekos, Chris and Jo Sleigh, Marcello Cicoli, Terri Lourey, Kristine Hendry, Rachel Hann, Olivia Triandos and Nicole Triandos.
Where our fundraising dollars go
All funds raised are directed to MS Research Australia to fund the MS research projects of the greatest need.
MS Research Australia is the largest national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to funding and coordinating multiple sclerosis research in Australia, as part of the worldwide effort to solve MS.
Its goal is to accelerate research into the cause, better treatments and prevention, with the aim of ultimately finding a cure for MS.
Annually MS Research Australia conducts an extensive and rigorous grant review process to identify the best research projects to award funding.
To date our fundraising has contributed monies to the following research activities:
- Drug targets to treat MS; targeting a protein called Gas6 which has been found to limit damage to oligodendrocytes (the brain cells damaged in MS) as well as increase their survival during an MS attack.
- Encouraging adult stem cells to replenish lost oligodendrocytes (cells in the central nervous system that produce myelin).
- Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to improve clinical trials for potential new therapies.
- Collecting and analysing genetic information from MS patients and their families around Australia to help diagnose MS and predict its subsequent course.
Our History
Charityworks for MS was formed by Lina Marrocco in 2002.
Previously, Lina chaired Charityworks for Kids (1999-2001) which raised over $370,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne.
In 2002 the then committee members agreed to rename themselves Charityworks for MS and focus on raising funds to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis.
Charityworks for MS has so far raised over $1.3 million for MS research. Our new target is $2 million!! We’re thinking big, breaking it down and making it happen.
We have so far held seven gala fundraising events which were held in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016.
About Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young Australian adults, often diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 40 and affects three times more women than men. As yet, there is no cure.
MS is the result of damage to myelin – a protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system.
When myelin is damaged, this interferes with messages between the brain and other parts of the body.
The symptoms of MS are different for each person; sometimes they even vary within the same person.
For some, MS is characterised by periods of relapse and remission, while for others it has a progressive pattern. For everyone, it makes life unpredictable.
Donations
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation or to pay for an event, please choose from the following payment methods.
Credit card
Visit the MS Research Australia website to make a donation using your credit card.
Please make sure you add ‘Charityworks for MS’ in the ‘I wish to donate’ field.
Bank deposit
Please email us and we will send you our bank account details to make a direct deposit.
Cheque
Mail a cheque addressed to “Charityworks for MS” to:
Finance
Charityworks for MS
981 Toorak Rd
Camberwell VIC 3124
For payment via cheque please include your full name and return address so we can mail a tax receipt.
Upcoming Events
October 2018 Charityworks for MS Masquerade Ball
Our Masquerade Ball will be held on 20th October 2018 at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.
To organise a table, please download our booking form below.
TICKET BOOKING FORM 2018
Past Events
October 2016 Charityworks for MS Research Gala Ball
On Saturday 22nd October 2016, we held our Masquerade gala ball at The Grand Hyatt, Melbourne. We are pleased to announce that with the help of our supporters $197,637 was raised for MS research.
October 2014 Charityworks for MS Research Gala Ball
On Saturday 18th October 2014, we held our Million Dollar DREAMS – Dream for a Cure gala ball at The Peninsula, Docklands. With the help of our generous supporters we raised $195,366 for MS research.
October 2012 Charityworks for MS Research Gala Ball
On Saturday 20th October 2012, we held our bi-annual MS Research Gala Ball at The Peninsula, Docklands. With over 900 guests in attendance, the night was a huge success with $211,362 raised for MS research. Thank-you to all of our generous guests and supporters who made it all possible!
October 2011 Art Portrait Marathon
For the month of October (2011) renowned artist Anna Minardo in conjunction with Charityworks for MS held a marathon portrait art sitting in which 167 portraits (oil on canvas) were painted. This event was a huge success and we raised over $17,000 for MS research.
Anna Minardo was commissioned by the Vatican City to paint a portrait of Pope John Paul II in 1999. She was also a finalist in the Archibald Portrait Prize in 2008. In 2009 she painted Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, the portrait being acquired by the McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park for their private collection.
We would like to extend a huge thank-you to Anna for her passion and dedication to this event.
September 2011 ‘Midnight in Paris’ Movie Night
In September 2011 we held a movie fundraiser at Como Cinema, South Yarra. The event included drinks and nibbles on arrival followed by a screening of Woody Allen’s ‘Midnight in Paris’. Thank-you to our guests and those that generously donated. We hope you enjoyed the movie!
2010 Charityworks for MS Gala Ball
Our 2010 Gala Ball was a huge success! Thanks to our generous sponsors and guests we raised $212,595 for MS Research.
Over 930 guests attended this event which was held at the Palladium at Crown on 21st August 2010. The feedback from our guests was that the MS Ball was a hit with great food, great entertainment and great fundraising!
Sponsors
Gala Ball 2016 Supporters
Platinum Sponsors
Holloway Diamonds
Holloway Diamonds is a specialised diamond jewellery retailer offering unique quality and service.
With two stores: Canterbury and Brighton offer quality products, custom designed and made on the premises (workshops in both stores) and professional sales service embodied in our core values of trust, service and specialisation. The business includes all the main skills and talents needed to work on your jewellery under the one roof.
Red Hill Estate
Red Hill Estate is a 5 STAR RATED, multi-award winning wine producer situated on a stunning property a little over an hour from Melbourne, Australia.
Established in 1989, the property sits in an internationally recognised “Cool Climate” region on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula and currently encompasses 46 acres with 23 acres under vine.
Boasting one of the best views from any winery in the world, Red Hill Estate is renowned, not only for their fine wines but also for their superb, panoramic views of Western Port Bay.
Trinity Beach Palace
Known as “the island on the mainland” Trinity Beach Palace sets the standards for beach front property. The grounds contain a selection of Queensland’s most beautiful tropical plantings: all carefully selected to provide an amazing fusion of year-round colour. Natural Rock cascades, palm trees, orchids, bromeliads, cycads and large lawns complete the picture.
Manicured, park like, tropical landscaped grounds together with its massive beach frontage, makes the Palace one of exceptional international standard.
From the moment you enter the austere “Palace Gates” under the watch eye of the Palace Gargoyles, you can sense that this is a special place; a place that only a privileged few will ever get to experience.
Major Sponsors
Other Sponsors
Gala Ball 2014 Supporters
Our 2014 MS Research Gala Ball held at the Penninsula, Docklands raised $195,366 with the help of generous supporters and sponsors. Our sponsors play an integral role in the success of this event and we are so grateful for their support.
Charityworks for MS would like to thank the following supporters for their generous contributions.
Major Sponsors
Holloway Diamonds
Holloway Diamonds (formerly Precious Metals) was founded by Garry Holloway in 1976. Their team consists of 6 design award winning craftspeople, several gemmologists and a team of thoroughly professional design and sales consultants.
Wine Online
Wine Online is an ideal place for buying wine online in Australia offering great deals on popular wines.
Tonka
Tonka embraces Melbourne’s quintessential laneway culture with the casual Tonka Bar where cocktails and tastes form the Tandoor are offered in a relaxed non-reservation area. The second aspect begins with a walk through the ‘kitchen dry store,’ which leads to the dining room, Tonka.
Lion Nathan Australia
Lion is one of Australasia’s largest food and beverage companies, employing more than 7,000 people across Australia and New Zealand.
Tim & Terry Oyster Supply Pty Ltd
Tim & Terry Oyster Supply Pty Ltd sells quality fish and seafood wholesale and is based in West Melbourne.
Fine Edge Kitchens
Fine Edge Kitchens specialise in Cabinet Makers, Cabinet Making and related trade services. They manufacture any type of cabinets all made to measure with a free quote service.
Advertising Age
Advertising Age is recognized as the leading global source of news, analysis and inspiration for the marketing and media community.
Atlantic Group
Since 2007, multi award winning Atlantic Group [v] has earned an unrivalled reputation as the destination for Melbourne’s hottest parties with four premier and sophisticated event spaces – Peninsula, MAIÀ, Sumac and Sketch – at Central Pier Docklands.
Blue 7 Designs
Blue 7 Designs is the Melbourne based solution to all of your web design and development needs, based on the evolution of technology and the continually updating innovations and methodology of first class designers.
Gala Ball 2012 Supporters
Charityworks for MS would like to thank all of our supporters for their generous contributions at our Research Gala Ball in 2012.
Platinum Sponsor
AFA Foundation
Association of Financial Advisers caring deeply for the well being of our local and national community.
Major Sponsors
Wine Online
Wine Online is an ideal place for buying wine online in Australia offering great deals on popular wines.
Holloway Diamonds
Holloway Diamonds (formerly Precious Metals) was founded by Garry Holloway in 1976. Their team consists of 6 design award winning craftspeople, several gemmologists and a team of thoroughly professional design and sales consultants.
Tim & Terry Oyster Supply Pty Ltd
Tim & Terry Oyster Supply Pty Ltd sells quality fish and seafood wholesale and is based in West Melbourne.
Gibson
Gisbon Gifts supplies the most comprehensive wholesale range of Baby & Pre-School product available to Australian retailers.
4 ever fresh
4 ever fresh is a quality grocery store located at Shop 22 Cnr Burwood Hwy & Blackburn Rd, Burwood East, VIC.
Paramedical Skin Clinic
Paramedical Skin Clinic is a celebrated and award-winning skin clinic, specialising in non-invasive treatments of skin and body conditions
Coles
With over 750 stores across Australia, our supermarkets are at the heart of many local communities. Coles aims to help them through our community initiatives such as our Local Community Support Program and National Charity Partnerships.
Schweppes Australia
Schweppes Australia develops, manufactures, sells, distributes and markets a range of non-alcoholic ready to drink beverages and cordials, to meet all kinds of refreshment and thirst-quenching needs.
Fine Edge Kitchens
Fine Edge Kitchen Pty Ltd specialise in Cabinet Makers, Cabinet Making and related trade services. They manufacture any type of cabinets all made to measure with a free quote service.
Blue 7 Designs
Blue 7 Designs is the Melbourne based solution to all of your web design and development needs, based on the evolution of technology and the continually updating innovations and methodology of first class designers.
How to become a sponsor
Sponsorship for our event can take many forms including donating various items for:
- Silent Auction
- Main auction
- Raffle
- Door and table prizes
We are also appreciate any help in collecting or delivering items and buying ‘special’ items that help add value to our auctions. For example, sporting goods that we can arrange to have autographed and framed. Please email us if you would like to become a Sponsor.