The Lachlan Kean Foundation (LKF) proudly hosted its inaugural Gala Ball, themed "Disco Nights", on September 21, 2024, at the iconic Ivy Ballroom in Sydney. This black-tie event blended elegance with purpose, dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging early screening for bowel cancer among young adults.
Notable guests included racing royalty Kate Waterhouse and Hoda Waterhouse, entrepreneur Tash Oakley, celebrity chef Guillaume Brahimi and his wife Tamie Ingham, style icon Rae Vakili, and radio presenter Michael Wipfli (“Wippa”).
The evening featured a dynamic, laughter-filled live auction led by Karl Stefanovic. A highlight was a surprise moment when Guillaume Brahimi and Wippa joined Karl on stage to announce a last-minute auction item—an exclusive dinner party hosted by Guillaume, which raised $25,000! Karl also shared his night on his Instagram, see here!
Australian journalist and ABC presenter Annabel Crabb hosted a fireside chat with Dr. Meg Barnet, a Medical Oncologist at St. Vincent’s Hospital and lecturer at the University of New South Wales. This conversation delved into the latest advancements in bowel cancer research and highlighted the necessity for bespoke care tailored to the unique challenges faced by younger bowel cancer patients.
In a dazzling night of glamour and philanthropy, the event raised an impressive $250,000. During the evening, the Lachlan Kean Foundation made its first official fund issuance to The Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group with a generous donation of $70,000.
AGITG Fundraising Lead, Tiffany Meiliunas, has expressed her appreciation: “LKF have done a phenomenal job of honouring their friend and raising awareness on the severity of bowel cancer. We are deeply honoured to be assisting with furthering the research piece of LKF’s mission. AGITG are committed to utilising this donation to continue conducting our bowel cancer trials and improve lives by accelerating the pace of discoveries that lead to cures”.
Additionally, LKF announced its partnership with The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, a leading integrated cancer treatment centre. This collaboration shines a spotlight on the vital role of specialist cancer nurses. Board Member of the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Gail O’Brian, says: “Our specialist nursing roles are funded entirely through donations. We rely on the generosity of our donor community to help sustain this program that makes an incredible difference for our patients. I am so grateful to the LKF for supporting our specialist nurses, as they support our patients through the toughest times.”
Catherine Kean, founder and Board Member of LKF, summarises the importance of the Gala Ball: “The LKF Gala Ball was a significant milestone for us, and we are incredibly grateful for the support we received during the event from our sponsors and attendees. With a staggering 266% increase in bowel cancer incidence among adolescents and young adults over the past three decades*, our partnerships with AGITG and the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse are vital in advancing research and improving the quality of life for patients and their families.”
*Source: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Lachlan Kean Foundation Gala Ball Sponsors
Platinum Partner: Salesforce
Gold Partners: Wilson Management and Hale Capital Partners
Silver Partner: Lamborghini Wine, Seedtag, Novus, Certe Finance, Kings Demo and Palmer Bet
Supplier Partner: Mumm Champagne
Please contact Victoria Janchek for further information.
See here for key photos from the night!
About us:
About The Lachlan Kean Foundation
In honour of Lachlan Kean’s enduring legacy, friends and loved ones banded together to create The Lachlan Kean Foundation. The Lachlan Kean Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and funding for the early detection and treatment of bowel cancer, particularly among young adults. Through events like the Gala Ball and strategic partnerships, LKF aims to advance medical research, improve patient outcomes, and foster community support for this crucial cause.
For more information visit: https://www.lachlankeanfoundation.org/
About The Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group (AGITG)
The Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group (AGITG) is a collaborative network of medical and research professionals dedicated to improving treatments for gastrointestinal cancers through clinical trials and biological research.
Since its formation in 1991, AGITG has conducted 93 studies involving over 9,400 patients across multiple continents. The GI Cancer Institute, the community arm of AGITG, raises funds for research in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, ensuring earlier access to cutting-edge treatments and personalised care.
For more information visit: https://gicancer.org.au/
About Chris O’Brien Lifehouse
Chris O'Brien Lifehouse is a world-class integrated cancer treatment centre, envisioned by the late Professor Chris O'Brien, a renowned head and neck surgeon.
Opened to patients in November 2013, Lifehouse provides holistic cancer care, combining treatment, research, and support services in one central location. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for their patients and their families, by advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, care, cure and prevention of cancer.
For more information visit: https://www.mylifehouse.org.au/
Contact details:
Media Enquiries
For further information please reach out to Victoria Janchek.
Email: victoria@lachlankeanfoundation
Phone: 0478 482 759