The function was extremely successful in raising more than $110,000 and it couldn’t have been done without your willing support. Many people commented on how well you entertained the guests while extracting the best bids for the items auctioned; infact the total was far more than the organisers had hoped for.
Mark Toner
James Woodcock Foundation, Melbourne Grammar School
In particular, the Auction was a resounding success and all the monies raised on the night (in excess of $100,000) will be directly used for the Microsurgery Foundation’s research.
Geoff J. Renton
Executive Director, Microsurgery Foundation

ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD
Monday, 6 February 2017
Coles Nitro Athletics Gala Dinner, Thursday, 2nd February 2017 at Crown Palladium
Jon Steffanson was brilliant and his interview with Usain Bolt was captivating. John’s work to drive the Nitro games has also been extraordinary.
Usain has a wonderful confident nature without arrogance and he had so much time for so many of the 600 crowd to avail themselves of a selfie.
Bolt was happy to talk and happy to keep giving more and more. He told Jon that he likes interviews because “I am quick on his feet.” He sure is!
We auctioned three items, the highlight being one of his signed gold running spikes that he wore in Rio which made $1,200. We somehow found the left foot and sold that to the under bidder.
The other two items were a signed Methuselah of Mumm Champaign and an inner sanctum experience for someone attending the Nitro Games and being the assistant team manager for the night.
We were also able to sell that inner sanctum experience for another night to the under bidders as well.
Just short of $40,000 was raised to support Athletics in Australia and all credit to Petina and Sam who pulled the event together in a short lead time.
A lovely relaxed event and Usain, the star attraction definitely didn’t disappoint us.