The annual O'Brien Electrical and Plumbing Lismore Our Kids Winter Ball, 2024, was a fantastic and successful night for all involved. The Ball was well attended on May 25, and the charity event raised over $33,000 for the popular Our Kids charity.

The night kicked off with an entree by The Secret Chef, which Trinity Catholic College Students and the Lismore Lions served under a fairy light canopy at the Lismore Turf Club.

(Image: East Point Pro Studio)

All enjoyed music by the Cath Simes Band, who offered themselves to be auctioned off for a special occasion. The winning bid was $4000 from Natalie and Graham Leeson from Goonellabah Roofing Tilers, who then donated it to St John's College, Woodlawn , for their formal this year.

"There was a lot of fun, including an impromptu auctioning of Steve Kreig, our mayor, singing 'Simply the Best' with Cath Simes," Rebekka Battista, Our Kid's Fundraising Coordinator, said.

“All were warmed through the night by a fire pit donated by Richmond Sand and Gravel, which was also auctioned to raise funds for Our Kids.

“Over 260 people went quiet as Karen Campbell shared from her heart why O'Brien Electrical and Plumbing Lismore was so honoured to be the Naming Partner and to help Our Kids, who touch so many families in our community.”

Our Kids goal is to improve the health services for children in the Northern Rivers area by purchasing paediatric equipment for the Lismore Base Hospital, as well as other health centres in the region. This equipment benefits the whole community by helping kids stay local when needing medical care.

(Images provided by Our Kids)

"This year, the Ball has hit a new time fundraising record for the event, which has been held for over 12 years. It was extraordinary to see everyone's generosity, particularly the times we are in," Rebekka said.

“The money raised will go towards purchasing paediatric equipment for Lismore Base Hospital, which will help children and babies stay local when they need medical care.”

(Image: East Point Pro Studio)

There are a lot of people that Our Kids want to thank for making the night as remarkable as it was, starting with a special thank you to all who came, volunteered, generously gave, and those who helped make the night so special.

 “A massive thanks to Jay Gibson as our MC on the night who rallied all to generously give and take part in helping Our Kids” Rebekka said.

“Thank you to our friends at O'Brien Electrical and Plumbing Lismore, Mountain Blue, Katrina Beohm Real Estate, Joel Jensen Constructions, Lismore Turf Club, We Hire Northern Rivers Deborah Marks Weddings and Occasions, The Garden Florist and The Secret Chef who have come on board to be incredible financial and significant in-kind partners to help make the O'Brien Electrical and Plumbing Our Kids Winter Ball a success!

“A special shout out also goes to our local business to helped We Hire, Cath Simes Band, La Baracca, Goonellabah Roof Tilers, Scoops & Candy, Metroll, Be Seen Eyewear, Haymans Electrical, Richmond Sand Gravel & Landscaping Ballina & Lismore, Paris in the Strand, Sundaze Studio, George Gooley, Lismore App, PJs Country Fruit & Veg, Hello World, Lismore, Byron Beach Suites, Kevin and Karen Hogan, Horns Gas Supplies, Warrior Refrigeration, Shayne Quinn Electrical, Evans Head Bowling Club, Mary G's, Trinity Catholic College, Lismore Lions Club, NBN News, Lismore City News, Hurford Hardwood, North Coast Petroleum, Southern Cross University, Far North Coast Law Society, Goonellabah Laundrette… and many more who are leaning in to make the Ball a spectacular evening for all.”

In kind, Our Kids would like to offer deep appreciation to all the Winter Ball Committee members who worked to create such a beautiful event; Michelle Gosling, Carmen Kennedy-Beaumount, who along with Samantha Gordon, Chris Ingall and Rebekka Battista. I was told that the committee is already planning how they can make next year even better.