Sunday Soiree – Stories, Connection & Community Impact

On Sunday, March 23, we were honoured to welcome partners, donors and friends – both longstanding and new – to our inaugural Sunday Soiree. Graciously hosted by the Montrone family in their elegant Glebe courtyard, the afternoon buzzed with warmth, connection and a shared purpose: supporting young people living with neuromuscular conditions.

The afternoon included fundraising activities, including a raffle, silent auction and our ever-popular ‘wine wall.’ Thanks to the generosity of our guests, we’re delighted to share that the event raised an incredible $70,000 in support of our work!

Our Senior Community Support Specialist, Carolyn Campbell-McClean, expertly MC’d the event, infusing humour and heart into every moment. Among the afternoon’s highlights was a special address from Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales and Patron of Muscular Dystrophy NSW (MDNSW). Her Excellency spoke with sincerity about MDNSW’s longstanding role in the neuromuscular community and her hopes for our future. 

The event was designed to showcase our work with young people, especially during life’s transitions. From Young Adults Retreats, NDIS Support Coordination, Duke of Edinburgh Award support and a host of other social events throughout the year, our programs give young people the tools and resources to thrive.

To bring this to life, four powerful stories were shared:

• Board President Robert Fraser shared his personal journey with MDNSW, stretching back to his youth when we were his school’s charity of choice.
• Vice President Michelle Ball offered a moving reflection on her family’s experience, from her son’s early diagnosis with muscular dystrophy to the joy and growth he’s found at our camps.
• Board Director Tait Jenkins, who lives with spinal muscular atrophy, shared how MDNSW provides support through pivotal transitions, from youth into adulthood and beyond.

Carolyn also shared a moving testimony from 25-year-old Scott Green who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He has been involved with MDNSW since 2011. In that time, he has attended countless MDNSW camps and participated in MDNSW’s Duke of Edinburgh program. He also took part in the Surf Life Saving Training Program at Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club, designed for individuals living with neuromuscular conditions.

Their stories reminded everyone in the courtyard of why we gathered – to ensure this kind of support continues to be available to all who need it.

As Robert so eloquently put it: “At Muscular Dystrophy NSW, we are more than just an organisation; we are a lifeline for individuals and families navigating life with a neuromuscular condition. Our vision is simple yet powerful: that every person with a neuromuscular condition can live a life they choose”

To everyone who attended, supported and made this special afternoon possible – thank you. You’ve helped bring our vision to life.

Special thanks to:

• Felice and Miranda Montrone
• Machiavelli’s Italian Restaurant
• Verve Photography
• Sydney Princess Cruises
• Pearson’s School of Floristry
• Huntington Estate
• Mudgee Wines
• Eling Forest Winery
• Australian Vintage Wines
• Freeman Vineyards
• Dawning Day Farms
• Hollydene Estate
• Mudgee Wine Association

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