Recently in Melbourne, the Park Hyatt Hotel shimmered with warmth and compassion as The Treasure Chest Charity hosted its 15th annual Winter Ball. This elegant gathering brought together supporters, advocates, and luminaries from various fields, all united by a shared mission: to uplift and support individuals battling breast cancer.
Among the distinguished guests were surfing legend Layne Beachley AO and her partner, INXS icon Kirk Pengilly, as well as racing royalty Michelle Payne OAM. Their presence not only added star power to the event but also highlighted the importance of community and collaboration in the fight against breast cancer.
The Treasure Chest Charity, founded by the inspiring Pratika Lal, has been a beacon of hope for countless patients navigating the tumultuous journey of cancer treatment. Over the past 15 years, the charity has tirelessly provided essential support, including funding for the wages of clinical psychologists, who play a vital role in helping patients cope with the emotional toll of their diagnosis. In addition, the charity has supplied home care packages that offer much-needed assistance during a time when individuals often feel the most vulnerable.
This year’s ball was not just a celebration of the charity’s achievements, but also a moment to reflect on the strides made in breast cancer treatment. A highlight of the evening was the announcement of the recent acquisition of a Sentimag machine, a ground-breaking technology that assists surgeons in detecting lesions with remarkable precision. This advancement promises to enhance treatment outcomes and provide patients with a greater sense of security in their care.
As guests including Stephen and Paige Quartermain (Chair), Kimberley Davies & Jason Harvey, Sarah Maree Cameron, Brad McEwan, Natasha Weber, Nina Ferro, Monique Milenkovic (The Cupcake Queens) and Professor Bruce Mann, enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and participated in a spirited auction, the atmosphere was filled with stories of resilience and hope. Each bid placed, each donation made, contributed to a collective commitment to fight breast cancer and support those affected by it. The event served as a poignant reminder that while the journey may be fraught with challenges, no one has to navigate it alone.
As the night drew to a close, the sense of camaraderie and purpose lingered in the air. The success of the White Winter Ball not only marked 15 years of The Treasure Chest Charity’s impactful work but also reignited a collective determination to continue supporting those in need.
Photography by Brett Morris from Crossroads Media
Written by Melinda Sullivan.
For more information please visit https://www.treasurechestcharity.org.au
