The Pharmacy Guild Foundation's inaugural Gala Ball has officially sold out, with more than 500 guests set to gather in Sydney next week to support St Vincent de Paul Society NSW's Script & Medical Support for People Experiencing or At-Risk of Homelessness Program.
Acclaimed journalist and broadcaster Hamish Macdonald, whose late father was a pharmacist, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the evening, while former Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, will lead the night's fundraising auction.
Chair of the Pharmacy Guild Foundation, Catherine Bronger, said the overwhelming support for the sold-out event demonstrated the generosity and community spirit of the pharmacy profession.
"The response to this event has been extraordinary. Every dollar raised will help ensure vulnerable Australians can access essential medicines and healthcare support when they need it most," Ms Bronger said.
"For people experiencing homelessness, the cost of a prescription can be the difference between managing a health condition and going without treatment. This partnership will help remove that barrier."
"We are delighted to welcome Hamish Macdonald as our MC and Michael McCormack as auctioneer. Hamish has a personal connection to pharmacy through his father, and both Hamish and Michael have generously helped us make this a memorable and impactful evening."
Ms Bronger also thanked the generous support of Principal Sponsor Novo Nordisk, and Major Sponsors Key Pharmaceuticals, Hitch Law, Viatris, and Terry White Chemmart/Cincotta/MediAdvice whose contributions have helped turn the Foundation's vision into reality.
"We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, whose support has helped make this inaugural event possible," Ms Bronger said.
"Their contribution will have a lasting impact on the people and communities this program supports."
Ms Bronger said pharmacies see firsthand the healthcare challenges faced by Australians doing it tough.
"Pharmacists are often the most accessible primary healthcare professionals in their communities and we see every day the difficult choices people are forced to make when finances are stretched," Ms Bronger said.
"The Guild Foundation will turn compassion into action. I'm incredibly proud of the way the pharmacy profession has rallied behind this initiative and helped make the event a sell-out success."
The Gala Ball will be held on Thursday, 10 September at Sydney's Fullerton Hotel, with proceeds supporting St Vincent de Paul Society NSW's Script & Medical Support for People Experiencing or At-Risk of Homelessness Program.
The initiative helps vulnerable people access essential prescription medicines and medical support when financial hardship would otherwise put treatment out of reach.
