Thank you to all those in our community who attended the Wilderness School Foundation Gala Dinner last Saturday evening, an event hosted by the Foundation in support of the School’s scholarship program.

The Art Gallery of South Australia provided the perfect backdrop to a cool (and fortunately dry) evening, showcasing the best of our state’s wonderful food and wine. With beverages generously supplied by Yalumba Wines, Mismatch Brewing, Adelaide Gin Co, and various other wineries, guests were able to relax to the musical overtures of the Old Scholars’ Jazz Choir and enjoy the opportunity to come together, mask-free for the first time in many months.

Foundation Chair, Dr Sarah Matthews, spoke and shared the power of philanthropy, how it can improve not only the lives of others but our own wellbeing and longevity. She announced the incredible impact resulting from our community’s generosity through the Giving Day earlier in the year, which has allowed us to establish two fixed-term, five-year scholarships commencing in 2023 and 2024. Ms Jane Danvers also took a few moments to acknowledge the power of a community coming together and reflected on how that has been a defining facet of her 16 years at Wilderness.

The evening was graciously emceed by Mrs Jo Tropeano, who wore two hats; as well as hosting, she also ably coordinated the Old Scholars’ Jazz Choir. Jack Dowling was a superb auctioneer and did a fine job conducting a live auction for some incredible packages and experiences such as luxury accommodation, a yachting experience, at-home catering, fine jewellery, and a deluxe meat and BBQ package, amidst robust competition!

I would like to recognise the wonderful generosity of the businesses who donated products and services to make the event a success including the Palmer Hospitality Group, Holstens, Floristry by Sally Wotten, House & Garden, One Rundle Trading Co, Barossa Polo, and many others. Thanks also to our amazing Events Committee chaired by Mrs Julia Dowling including Mrs Sarah Abbott, Ms Jen Guest, Mrs Anya Rinaldi, Mrs Alice Newton and Mrs Rebecca Petrucco.

I would also like to acknowledge Middle School Foundation girls who volunteered to create the gorgeous succulent table centrepieces that were sold on the evening. Well done to Alaya Aquino, Charlotte Bury, Eliza Quick, Fengfang Zhang, Jamila Macris, and Willow Rann.