Having a ball for a worthy cause

South Australian charities will be $318,000 better off after this year’s ANZ Community Ball in Adelaide, a much needed boost after many were forced to cancel fundraising efforts last year due to COVID-19.

More than 750 guests representing more than 100 local businesses attended the annual event which is hosted by ANZ and major charity partner the Jodi Lee Foundation.

The Jodi Lee Foundation was founded 11 years ago when Nick Lee lost his wife Jodi to bowel cancer.

Australia’s second-biggest cancer killer

The Adelaide-based Jodi Lee Foundation now reaches millions of Australians through its national initiatives to empower people to take active steps to prevent bowel cancer – acting quickly on symptoms, screening for bowel cancer every two years from age 50, and leading healthy lives.

Jodi Lee Foundation Chair Nick Lee said hosting the ball allows the charity to educate more South Australians about the dangers of Australia’s second-biggest cancer killer.

“All partnerships are important but this partnership with ANZ is saving lives,” Lee said.

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A welcome COVID-19 safe event

ANZ SA state manager Brendan Rinaldi says the event which included a major raffle and charity auction, with prizes including a new Toyota Corolla, and travel, entertainment, media, food and leisure packages “exceeded expectations”.

“After a tough 2020 it was amazing to see 750 people, including more than 100 local businesses, getting together in one room to support a number of local charities,” he said.

“In true SA style, wine was the most sought-after item of the live auction, with a Dowie Doole winemaking experience selling for $27,000 and a Saint & Scholar, Kaesler and Crafers Hotel donated food, wine and accommodation package selling for $30,000.”

The ANZ Community Ball was cancelled last year due to COVID-19 but in 2019 raised $226,000 for local charities.