The Dream Becomes Reality

Great food, exciting auctions, and dancing into the night; it was another stellar year for UpsideDowns Education Trust’s Share the Dream Gala. On Saturday, 12 September, supporters arrived at iconic Eden Park’s Grand Hall for an unforgettable night of entertainment, generosity, and celebrating Kiwi kids with Down syndrome.

Arriving at the stadium, guests could see the gorgeous faces of some of our UpsideDowns members up in lights on the huge screens surrounding the hallowed playing field. Once inside, they were treated to a glass of welcome bubbles and opportunity to show off their very fine gowns and suits at the photo wall, captured by Nigel King of White Door Photography.

 Just inside the main hall, the fabulous items donated by generous local business for our Silent Auction were on display. This year, we used the digital platform GalaBid to run the auctions. This meant current high bids were displayed on screens through the hall, bidders got txt messages when they were outbid, and, in the case of the Silent Auction, people who couldn’t attend the event still had a chance to bid.

After perusing the Silent Auction, guests found their seats. Each table featured a botanical centrepiece – a variegated monstera with its own unique story – which could be purchased, and the chance to donate individual therapy sessions through the Gift of Speech donation cards. Each session earned an entry into the draw to win a fabulous diamond pendant donated by Diamonds on Richmond.

 Soon, the distinct legato tones of the bagpipes rang out to signal the start of the event. Nicholas Weston held the crowd rapt as he belted out some beautifully melodic reels. The musician’s talents were praised by our vivacious MC for the night, media personality Kerre Woodham. With charm, wit, and trademark sauciness, Kerre led us through the night’s programme with warmth and humour.  

After finishing a delicious entrée of gin-brushed dry aged kingfish, the crowd was treated to a knock-out speech by UpsideDowns member, Tilly. Having received speech and language therapy from UpsideDowns for over a decade, the 14-year-old took to the podium with confidence and flair. She had the crowd laughing and crying at various points in the story of her communication journey. If anyone entered the room unaware of the impact speech and language therapy has on our young people, there could be no doubt after Tilly’s performance.

Following a delicious main meal of angus eye fillet and beef cheek arancini, it was time for another poignant speech. UpsideDowns board member Mel Watson took to the stage and shared an impassioned look at the value of speech and language therapy from a parent’s perspective. With stories of the triumphs and challenges her wonderful daughter, Paris, has experienced, Mel made sure there wasn’t a dry eye in the house before a beautiful video showcasing many UpsideDowns members began playing.

With the audience now well and truly aware of the impact their support can make, it was time to launch the Live Auction. An astonishing collection of priceless experiences, collectables, and luxury items went under the hammer of guest auctioneer Rob Tulpin. Prizes like a signed All Blacks jersey, a day of golf with Jordie Barrett, and VIP tickets to see Robbie Williams made for heated bidding – and a huge amount of funding for speech and language therapy!

With business out of the way, it was time to dance. The ever party-rocking Phil Madsen sauntered on-stage with his guitar and proceeded to get the dance floor pumping. He played hit after hit (Islands in the Sun as tribute to the recently departed Dolly Parton was a big hit), and attendees grooved the evening away until the house lights came up and revellers were cordially ushered out the door.

The night was a roaring success (which almost couldn’t go ahead!), raising over X. UpsideDowns extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who attended, the generous businesses and organisations who supported the gala, the organizing committee that made it all possible, and the volunteers who helping the night run smoothly.

By coming together for this magical night, we are closer than even to giving the gift of speech to every child with Down syndrome in Aotearoa!