Inside the Stephie’s Choice Live Your Best Life Gala Ball 2024

Stephie’s Choice LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE Gala Ball 2024 united the Melbourne community for a memorable evening of connection, entertainment and fundraising with purpose. Hosted at the prestigious Lincoln of Toorak, this year’s gala marked an important milestone in the foundation’s mission to support children and young people living with disabilities.

2024 Gala Evening Overview

On Saturday, 26 October 2024, guests arrived at Lincoln of Toorak (The Trak Centre) from 6:30pm, stepping into an elegant evening that continued through to 11:30pm.

Set against a sophisticated backdrop, the 2024 gala delivered a premium event experience while staying true to its core purpose raising vital funds and awareness for children with disabilities across Australia.

The evening’s theme, “Live Your Best Life”, was reflected in every detail from the vibrant cocktail dress code featuring colour and sparkle, to the heartfelt messages shared throughout the night.

Guests embraced the theme wholeheartedly, filling the room with energy, warmth, and celebration.

The Inspiration Behind Stephie’s Choice Foundation

The Stephie’s Choice Foundation Limited is an ACNC‑registered Australian charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, founded by Gavin and Andrea Clifford in memory of their daughter, Stephanie‑Ann “Stephie” Clifford.

Stephie was diagnosed with Ataxia‑Telangiectasia (A‑T), a rare and progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects motor coordination and immune function, with no known cure. While most children with A‑T live only into their early teens, Stephie defied those expectations, and her outlook on life continues to inspire the foundation’s work today.

She once told her father, at 4 am each morning when he asked how she was feeling:

“Dad, every day is a good day… Some are just better than others.”

And when others expressed sympathy, she would reply:

“Why do people feel sorry for me when I don’t feel sorry for myself?”

The foundation is guided by two core objectives:

• Honour Stephie’s legacy for future generations.
• Support children and adults with disabilities, helping them live fully in the moment.

100 percent of funds collected by the foundation through donations and net proceeds from the annual Gala go directly to children and young adults with a disability. The foundation’s three funding areas include:

• Educational resources for disadvantaged children with disabilities who cannot afford specialist materials.
• Recreational and social experiences for people with disabilities who lack access to meaningful daily activities.
• Funded outings and chaperoned experiences for people with high dependency needs such as children with Ataxia, Dystonia, or Sclerosis — who are wheelchair-bound and unable to attend special events without dedicated support.

By 2024, the foundation had supported over 100 children and young adults in a single year — more than double its original target. The 2024 board comprised Gavin Clifford (Chair), Andrea Clifford, Aidan Davitt (legal compliance), Shireen Pires (key benefactor and Stephie’s godmother), Lauretta Lee, and Bob Lee.

Opening Address by Gavin and Andrea Clifford

Gavin Clifford opened the evening with the purpose and warmth that has become the hallmark of these events. Welcoming guests to Gala #3, he reflected on the foundation’s most significant milestone to date — over 100 children and young adults supported in 2024 and set the tone for a night built on gratitude, community, and an unwavering commitment to doing more.

Gavin acknowledged Foundation Ambassador Sam Mitchell for his ongoing encouragement, paid tribute to the late Tyronne Pires through board member Shireen Pires and reminded the room that every dollar raised goes directly to the children the foundation exists to serve.

He invited guests to embrace the evening for what it is: a conscious, joyful act of living their best life in honour of the young woman who showed them how.

Andrea Clifford, Co-Founder, board member, and Gavin’s “darling wife and best friend” as he describes her — delivered the thank you address at the 2024 Gala, acknowledging the remarkable community of sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who made the evening possible.

A Special Video Message from Sam Mitchell

A standout moment of the evening was a special video message from Sam Mitchell, Ambassador of Stephie’s Choice Foundation.

Although unable to attend in person, Sam shared a heartfelt message acknowledging the importance of the foundation’s work and the generosity of those in the room.

His continued support plays an important role in strengthening the foundation’s reach and community connection.

Entertainment That Lit Up the Night 

The 2024 Gala introduced a new element of polish and professionalism with Karen Young stepping into the role of MC and event manager. Karen guided guests through the programme from opening formalities to the final moments of the night, ensuring the evening flowed seamlessly between reflection, entertainment, and celebration. 

Dance Performances

The night opened with a glamorous showgirl and Can-can performance, setting the tone with colour, movement, and theatrical flair.

The performance captured the spirit of the event — uplifting, inclusive, and full of life.

Live Band: Next Gen

A returning favourite, Next Gen delivered a high-energy live performance that kept the dance floor full throughout the evening.

Their music created some of the most memorable moments of the night, bringing guests together in celebration.

DJ: RnB Set

As the evening progressed, the DJ carried the energy through to the final hour, ensuring a strong and vibrant finish to the gala.

Silent Auction

The 2024 Silent Auction opened online at 6:00 pm on Saturday, 19 October 2024 — a full week before the gala giving the Stephie’s Choice community the opportunity to bid from wherever they were. Bidding closed at 9:30 pm on the night of the event, creating an exciting countdown moment for guests in the room.

The 2024 auction featured some of the most coveted lots the foundation has offered to date, including:

• Custom-framed signed Lionel Messi Argentina jersey
• Custom-framed signed Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers jersey
• Signed Collingwood AFL jumper (framed)
• Framed Taylor Swift display featuring a signed red electric guitar
• Luxury Sydney sailing experience for eight guests
• Bespoke private dining packages
• Dance Fit group fitness sessions and private dance lessons

Evening’s Best Moments

From the first guests stepping through the doors of Lincoln of Toorak to the final song of the night, the 2024 Gala Ball delivered moments that will stay with those who attended for years to come:

• Guests arriving in brilliant cocktail attire lighting up the Toorak ballroom
• The elegant venue setting: chandeliers, floral centrepieces, and beautifully dressed tables
• Heartfelt opening address reflecting on 100+ children supported in a single year
• Sam Mitchell’s video message
• The opening performances — theatrical, glamorous, and entirely electric
• Next Gen’s live performance keeping the dance floor packed all night
• The silent auction closing countdown at 9:30 pm, generating genuine excitement and generous bidding

Sponsors and In-Kind Supporters

2024 Gala Ball was made possible by the generosity of financial sponsors and a diverse network of in-kind contributions.

Financial sponsors included:

• Deliver Group
• Rizo Dessert
• Tyronne Pires Legacy
• Doehler Australia
• Callidus Advisory
• Proficient Packaging
• Almoe Trading
• Galilee Support Residential Services
• Zeal Financial Services
• Ezy Chef Group

In-kind food contributions were provided by:

• Anthony at Tamby Foods
• Robert at Arctic Foods
• Sam & Roy at Agresta Pasta
• Sam & Rasha at Poultry N More
• Trevor at SAJ
• SantaMaria Bros
• The Mushroom Place
• Gina from Bite Me Cakes (Desserts)

Venue and service were generously provided by Lincoln of Toorak (AJ and his team). Event production, guidance, and décor planning were led by Briony, Ravi, and Nikki from RnB Events — now in their third consecutive year supporting the foundation’s annual Gala.

A special acknowledgement to Joanne Arnold, Andie’s sister, for her tireless work in garnering support for the table raffle, and to the foundation’s dear family and friends who assisted with the welcome group on the evening.

Thank You to Our Community

The success of the 2024 Live Your Best Life Gala Ball was made possible by an extraordinary community of people:

• Deliver Group, Rizo Dessert, Tyronne Pires Legacy, Doehler Australia, Callidus Advisory, Proficient Packaging, Almoe Trading, Galilee Support Residential Services, Zeal Financial Services, and Ezy Chef Group for vital financial support
• Roger for once again pulling together remarkable contributions from his network
• Lincoln of Toorak (AJ and the team) for the venue and exceptional service on the night
• Briony, Ravi and Nikki from RnB Events for event production and décor planning
• Next Gen (Judy, Keryn and the team) for an outstanding live performance
• Sakshi and the Helping Hand Group for running the silent auction
• Karen Young for exceptional MC and event management
• Joanne Arnold for tireless work on the table raffle
• Sam Mitchell for his heartfelt video message and continued commitment as Ambassador
• All in-kind food donors, volunteers, and the welcome group
• Every guest who attended, bid in the auction, and gave generously

Your support ensures that Stephie’s light continues to shine and that children with disabilities across Australia can truly live their best life.