Annual POSH Auction and Gala Ball raises more than $915,000

Generous donors raised $915,611 for cancer research and support services at the 22nd POSH Auction and Gala Ball on Saturday night.

The black-tie event, held at The Fullerton Hotel, attracted 500 guests who were treated to a lavish three-course meal, fine wines, and live entertainment.

For the first time, a satellite event was held at the Burrawang Village Hotel in the Southern Highlands and attended by 50 guests and their hosts, Peter Dean and Jennifer Pridham.

Comedian Vince Sorrenti was once again the POSH Master of Ceremonies — a role he has held since the inaugural POSH ball in 2000 — and he provided plenty of laughs throughout the night.

This year’s keynote speaker was world-renowned clinical hematologist, pathologist and scientist Professor John Rasko AO.

Professor Rasko spoke about his latest research into a new pancreatic cancer treatment called CAR T-cell immunotherapy, which was supported by funding from Cancer Council NSW. The revolutionary treatment involves taking a patient’s immune cells and reprogramming them to attack only cancer cells.

The annual POSH ball marked a much welcome return to a live event, after last year’s gala was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions on large gatherings.

During the night, guests bid on a selection of exclusive items and money-can’t-buy experiences through an online auction. These included interstate and overseas holidays, luxury goods and local artworks.

POSH and key stakeholder events manager Jenny Menzies said she was thrilled by the results of the event.

“I am grateful for the many people who generously give their time, energy and effort as they are the reason for POSH’s continued success,” she said.

“I want to thank our POSH committee members, corporate partners, sponsors, our volunteers and our generous guests — many of whom have been with us since the beginning. I also want to acknowledge the Burrawang Village Hotel for hosting our guests at our first satellite event.

“Lastly, I’d like to thank our amazing MC Vince Sorrenti for his personal commitment to supporting POSH for the past 22 years. He never fails to entertain and engage our guests, and we are grateful for his support, humour and tenacity.

“I am incredibly proud that we raised $915,611 which will support the ongoing work of our cancer researchers. I am looking forward to next year’s POSH gala event.”

Since POSH’s inception in 2000, it has raised over $20 million for life-saving cancer research and advocacy.

See photos from the event on our POSH website.