Celebrating Inspiration at Stephie’s Choice Gala Ball 2025

The Stephie’s Choice Foundation welcomed guests to the LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE Gala 2025 for an evening that was both uplifting and purposeful. Set against the elegant backdrop of Cathies Lane Receptions in Wantirna South, the gathering highlighted community spirit and the enduring impact of Stephie’s story, creating a night that resonated with meaning and celebration.

2023 Gala Evening Overview

On Saturday, 8 November 2025, the Stephie’s Choice Foundation Limited gathered its community for the fourth annual Live Your Best Life Gala Ball, and this year, it felt like something had shifted. Not just grown but deepened.

This fourth Gala was held at Cathies Lane Receptions, 90 Cathies Lane, Wantirna South — a stunning venue that provided a warm, elegant backdrop for a night of fine dining, live entertainment, and heartfelt fundraising. Doors opened at 6:30 pm and the evening ran through to 11:30 pm, with barely a quiet moment in between.

In 2025, the foundation supported over 300 children and young adults — triple the previous year’s result, and six times the original target of 50. And the evening marked another significant milestone: the launch of ‘The Gift of Being Present’, a 21-Day Audio Series inspired by Stephie’s own philosophy of living in the moment. It was a night of celebration, purpose, and genuine inspiration.

The Purpose Behind Stephie’s Choice Foundation

While the night was filled with celebration, its purpose remained at the heart of every moment.

The Stephie’s Choice Foundation Limited is an ACNC‑registered Australian charity with DGR status, founded by Gavin and Andrea Clifford in memory of their daughter, Stephanie‑Ann (Stephie). Living with Ataxia‑Telangiectasia (A‑T), a rare and progressive condition, Stephie inspired others with her resilience.

Each morning she told her dad: “Dad, every day is a good day… Some are just better than others.”

And when offered sympathy, she replied: “Why do people feel sorry for me when I don’t feel sorry for myself?”

The foundation honours her legacy by funding opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to live fully in the moment. All proceeds support three areas:

• Specialist educational support
• Access to meaningful recreational and social experiences
• Special treats to bring joy and connection

In 2025 alone, the Foundation supported over 300 individuals, with a long-term vision to reach more than 1,000 people annually.

A Year of Growth and Purpose Opening Address

Gavin Clifford, Co-Founder and Chair, opened the evening with a reflection on the Foundation’s growth and a clear vision for the future.

Over the past 12 months, the Foundation has tripled its impact, supporting more than 300 children and young adults and set an ambitious goal to reach 500 in the coming year.

He also acknowledged Foundation Ambassador Sam Mitchell, the Board, and key supporters who continue to drive the Foundation forward.

For the first time, Gavin introduced a new initiative that would become a defining feature of the evening — the launch of The Gift of Being Present.

The Gift of Being Present: 21-Day Audio Series

One of the most significant announcements of the 2025 Gala was the launch of ‘The Gift of Being Present’ — a 21-Day Audio Series developed by the Stephie’s Choice Foundation in collaboration with Vee Haslam and Bernie Kelly. The programme was built around Stephie’s own philosophy of living in the moment and is designed to be downloaded onto any mobile device.

Each day introduces a simple but powerful message, encouraging listeners to slow down and focus on what truly matters.

• Day 1: “Every day is a good day, some will just be better than others.”
• Day 2: “Make Moments, Presents.”
• Day 3: “Gratitude is noticing good things even when life is difficult.”
• Day 4: “Be true to your heart, whatever you do.”
• Day 5: “Make things happen.”
• Day 6: “Live in the moment.”
• Day 7: “Why feel sorry for me when I do not feel sorry for myself.”
• Day 8: “Stop stressing about what other people have. They don’t have what you have.”
• Day 9: “The best way to find joy in our lives or overcome struggle is with the help of others.”
• Day 10: “Life — make the most of it.”
• Day 11: “Together is Better.”
• Day 12: “Showing Love is better than words.”
• Day 13: “You know what you do, and how you do it — do you know WHY? (Simon Sinek)”
• Day 14: “Life is short. Break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that makes you smile. (Steven Tyler)”
• Day 15: “Let yourself live just one day at a time — just today — just right here, right now.”
• Day 16: “Suffering is part of life — it’s not why me, it’s why not me.”
• Day 17: “If we were good at everything, we would have no need for each other.”
• Day 18: “I feel good today.”
• Day 19: “Give more than you receive.” 
• Day 20: “Please don’t love me for what I do, love me for who I am.”
• Day 21: “May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live. (U Tony’s)”

Guests at Gala were the first to receive exclusive bonuses. A beautiful Stephie’s Choice commemorative pin and a keepsake hardcopy journal for personal reflections on presence and gratitude.

A Night of Unforgettable Entertainment and Connection

From the moment guests took their seats, the entertainment set the tone for a night to remember.

Karen Young for her second consecutive year as MC, guiding the night with professionalism, warmth, and a genuine connection to the Foundation’s mission.

Spectacular Live Performances

A dynamic lineup of performers brought movement, colour, and excitement to the ballroom, with roving entertainment adding spontaneous moments of joy throughout the evening.

Live Band: Next Gen

Returning for their fourth consecutive year, Next Gen delivered high-energy performances that had guests on the dance floor early and kept them there.

DJ: RnB Set

The DJ carried the energy through to the close of the evening, with an RnB set that brought guests of all ages together in celebration.

The Silent Auction – Bidding for a Better Future

The Silent Auction once again played a central role in fundraising efforts.

Opening online at 6:00 pm on Saturday, 1 November 2025, the auction built strong momentum before closing at 9:30pm during the Gala — with the final countdown delivering one of the most exciting moments of the night.

The 2025 auction was managed by Luke Dale and the team from Helping Hand Group.

Auction highlights included:

• Signed memorabilia from global icons including Harry Styles, Sabrina Carpenter and Lionel Messi
• Luxury travel packages
• Exclusive sporting collectibles
• Unique one-of-a-kind experiences

Moments That Made the Night

From the first guests stepping through the doors of Cathies Lane Receptions to the final song of the night, the 2025 Gala Ball was filled with moments worth remembering:

• Guests arriving in a dazzling display of colour and sparkle, embracing Stephie’s love of vibrancy
• The elegant ballroom at Cathies Lane Receptions, beautifully styled with chandeliers and floral centrepieces
• Gavin Clifford’s opening address reflecting on 300+ people supported and a bold vision for the years ahead
• The launch of ‘The Gift of Being Present’, the foundation’s 21-Day Audio Series, with gala-exclusive commemorative pins and journals
• Next Gen’s electric live set drawing guests to the dance floor early in the evening
• Roving hosts bringing spontaneous joy and colour throughout the night
• Inclusive dance floor moments, with guests of all abilities coming together in celebration
• The excitement and energy of the silent auction closing countdown
• Heartfelt speeches honouring Stephie’s legacy and the Foundation’s ongoing work

Sponsors and In-Kind Supporters

The 2025 Gala Ball was made possible through the generosity of financial sponsors and in-kind contributors.

Financial sponsors included:

• Deliver Group
• ONJ Services
• Tyronne Pires Legacy
• Doehler Australia
• Callidus Advisory
• Almoe Trading
• Proficient Packaging
• Zeal Financial Services
• Ezy Chef Group

In-kind food contributions were provided by:

• Anthony at Tamby Foods
• Gina from Bite Me Cakes (Desserts)

Venue and service were provided by Cathies Lane Receptions (Marie and her team). Event production, guidance, and décor planning were led by Briony, Ravi, and Nikki from RnB Events — now in their fourth consecutive year supporting the foundation’s annual Gala.

Thank You to Our Supporters

The success of the 2025 LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE Gala Evening was made possible by an extraordinary community of people:

A sincere thank you to:

• Deliver Group, ONJ Services, Tyronne Pires Legacy, Doehler Australia, Callidus Advisory, Almoe Trading, Proficient Packaging, Zeal Financial Services, and Ezy Chef Group for vital financial support
• Roger for once again pulling together remarkable contributions from his network with characteristic charm
• Cathies Lane Receptions (Marie 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 their fourth outstanding consecutive performance
• Luke Dale and the Helping Hand Group for running the silent auction
• Karen Young for exceptional MC work and raffle coordination
• Vee Haslam and Bernie Kelly for their collaboration on ‘The Gift of Being Present’ audio series
• Anthony at Tamby Foods and Gina from Bite Me Cakes for in-kind food contributions
• Sam Mitchell for his continued support and commitment as Ambassador
• All volunteers and the welcome group family and friends
• Every single guest who attended, bid, danced, and gave so generously on the night

Your support ensures that Stephie’s legacy continues to shine and that children with disabilities across Australia have the opportunity to truly live their best life.