Sun setting over the Harbour as the evening begins
Thursday 8 February 2018 will always remain a red-letter day for me. We launched Walking The Black Dog at Cranbrook School. The evening could not have been more beautiful .. balmy weather, perfect views across a sparkling Sydney Harbour, laid-back, funky music played by the Cranbrook Jazz Combo and then .. 140 friends, all there to offer their warm and generous support. The positive vibe was practically tangible.
Cranbrook Jazz Combo
Convivial banter before the dinner begins
There were auctions .. silent and live .. which featured wonderfully generous donations. A raffle with fab prizes. Engaging speeches by the Waratahs doc, Sharron Flahive and Olympian Ed Fernon. And of course, a game .. can’t have a function without a game, in my book. Especially when the prize is a couple of tickets to the world-famous Sydney Skinny! http://www.thesydneyskinny.com.au/about/sydney-skinny-ocean-swim-event.htm
Drawings for sale .. one for every day of the walk
Briefing before the show ..
We were kept entertained by the exuberant MC, Nigel Marsh and towards the end of the evening Rhino Ray extorted a fab $12k with his expert auctioneering. Our menu was inspired by the Land’s End to John o’Groats route .. Cornish crab, Chicken Tikka Masala (national dish of UK) and Cranachan with Glenmorangie. And we were spoiled with top class wines donated by the wonderful Langtons, and dear friends Brad and Anna.
The Governor’s Ballroom was the elegant setting
Drinks on Cranbrook verandah
I threw in my tuppence worth after I’d been introduced by our son. Of course he took the micky but then made me cry with his beautiful words.
Gus striking a balance between poking fun and delivering the real message
Tearing up ..
But the whole evening would never have worked without the band of amazing volunteers who worked tirelessly and with a sensational sense of fun to pull off the event. Too many to mention by name, they were all wonderful and so many of the emails I received after the event, remarked on what an impressive bunch they were. A couple of them even received job offers! I can’t thank them enough.
Some of the fab volunteer team
My own friends .. you know who you are .. touched me deeply with their help and support during all the prep for the evening; both on the day and for many months before. You are so special.
Jane managing to keep her feet on the ground with the gigantic balloons
Setting up the entrance with dogs and balloons to the launch of Walking The Black Dog
My walking buddy looking glamorous
And so to the big question .. how much did we end up raising?? Well, the answer is somewhere in the realm of $50,000. How about that! I was amazed and thrilled. The Black Dog Institute will receive the money this week.
Thank you to everyone for playing their part and for making such a significant difference to a cause which affects almost everyone, one way or another.
Wow what a fantastic amount, and looks like so much fun but that is to gloss over the huge effort that went in.
As the walk date gets closer we look forward to seeing you again here in the uk. I will join you at some stage, promise.
I’ll be holding you to that promise! Back in UK next week so would be great to catch up. Believe I have some place cards to write for someone’s wedding!! Jxx
A huge thank you to Jules and the entire crew. You have made it such a special event for everyone!
Thank you for being such an important part of it, Birgit and Jens xx
It was a fantastic night – thank you so much for letting us share a bit of your journey…it is indeed inspirational
Great to have you and Steve there! You made a big fan in Alex! x
Well done Jules for orchestrating such a perfect night ! Your attention to details is second to none . The night was a real success on so many levels , you exceeding your target , raised funds as well as entertained your guests ( everyone had so much fun ) , you informed us and inspired us .
Thank you and bravo ! xox
Always such wonderful words, Sophie .. and you were crucial to the success of the evening .. all the advice beforehand, the beautiful gifted paintings, the live auction prize, the raffle prize, your help on so many occasions and then the lovely company of not only you but also that of Mark and Margaux, with whom everyone fell in love! xxx
Amazing outcome Jules. Sending you all the good vibes for your adventure.
Thank you so much .. great to hear from you! x
It does look like a truly amazing evening. I wish I could have been there.
You are doing so much wonderful, in so many ways. You have my love and admiration.
Thank you, Amanda .. very sweet words. Jx
A fun evening, great to see so many friends, and Jules, go you good thing!!
Love you! x
Congratulations, Jules and team on an anazing result. Thank you for a wonderful evening. All the best for your incredible journey. Big hugs x
Thank you so much Jane. So looking forward to coming to you for our girls’ team event! Jx
A great result Jules – well done………!!
Couldn’t have done it without you, Ray. x
Fantastic Jules, very well done.
Hope the walk goes well, sorry not to be able to join you.
Gus looks like you!
Thanks Linda .. will be sorry not to be walking with you. xx
So wish I had been there with you. Congratulations on what was obviously a wonderful evening AND a huge financial success! Really looking forward to seeing you very soon.
Liz xx
Can’t wait to see you too .. and yes, it would have been magical to have had Fords, Harrises and Heises with us! Can’t wait to see you. Jxx
Dearest Jules
So happy to see the pictures and hear of the success of the evening. I’m so sorry I was on the other side of the planet! Well done for organising such an inspiring event and project, for such a worthy cause! Wishing you much luck and vibrant health as you embark on your adventure!
Lots of love
Roya
Thank you Roya! Hope all is well with you too. Love Jx
Ooh! I’ve just caught some of your fairy dust over here in the West. What a great round-up of the event..I felt almost as though I were there.
Keep a look out for my card in your Ampney post box xxx
Exciting! I’ll be keeping an eagle-eye out! xxx