Mater Dei's fundraising events are organised and run by the Mater Dei Development Office with the support of dedicated and enthusiastic event committees. Mater Dei relies on the generosity and initiative of our community of supporters to provide contemporary, innovative education and services across all our programs.
See below for more information on each of our events. If you'd like to learn more about the Development Office and our vibrant fundraising community, get in touch. Email Sarah Ryan, Director of Development, at sarahr@materdei.org.au.
Trek for Opportunity
The Mater Dei Trek for Opportunity is a fundraising initiative from the Mater Dei Foundation. The Trek for Opportunity invites those up for a physical challenge to travel to beautiful Australian (and New Zealand!) locations for an active adventure to raise funds and awareness for Mater Dei.
In 2023, the Mater Dei Trek for Opportunity will see our trekkers travel 'across the ditch' to explore the breathtaking and picturesque Southern Alps of New Zealand. This stunning tour includes mountain peaks, remote lakes and valley systems and spectacular views of Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Aspiring from high vantage points. This 7-day trip has been designed for trekkers to meet their hiking potential, whilst enjoying amazing scenery, quality meals and comfortable lodgings at the end of every day.
All funds raised go towards the NextPath Continuous Learning program, providing opportunities for young adults with an intellectual disability to be supported in ongoing learning, working towards achieving their individual goals.
The first Mater Dei Trek for Opportunity in 2019 challenged participants across the spectacular Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory. In 2021, the scenic and breathtaking East Coast of Tasmania was the chosen location, and our Trekkers cycled, kayaked and hiked their way through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Australia.
For more information or if you would like to be involved in the Mater Dei Trek for Opportunity to New Zealand in 2023, please email Sarah Ryan at sarahr@materdei.org.au or call 02 4654 8708.
Move It 4 Mater Dei
Move It 4 Mater Dei is Mater Dei's digital, peer-to-peer fundraising challenge. The premise is simple: sign up, commit to a daily goal of how many minutes of exercise you'll do, and get moving! Teams, individuals and classes are all welcome to sign up and make their minutes count.
Amazing prizes are awarded to our highest fundraising individuals and teams.
Now in it's third year, Move It 4 Mater Dei has proved to be huge success, with over 300 participants raising in excess of $120,000 for babies, students and Young Adults across all of Mater Dei's programs.
Mark it in your Calendar now! Registrations will open shortly.
For more information, email Sarah Ryan at sarahr@materdei.org.au or call 4655 7481.
Mater Dei Charity Golf Day
As the longest running fundraising event, the Mater Dei Charity Golf Day is now in its 29th year in 2023 and counting.
Players tee off early, ready for a great day of golf complemented by the various fun hole challenges to help raise funds for Mater Dei, followed by lunch. Our Mater Dei School Captains often do the rounds greeting all of our golfers on the day.
The Charity Golf Day has a hard-working and dedicated committee, led by Paul Wakeling and including Leigh Furnari, Neil Williamson, Roger Cubitt, Scott Martyn, Kurt Kordovolos, Ben Shortridge, and Chantelle Di Federico, whose tireless work and energy ensure the success of the day. Our event patrons, Camden Police Area Command, have also been an integral part of the event's success since the beginning.
2022 Mater Dei Charity Golf Day Highlights
For more information or if you would like to be involved in the Mater Dei Charity Golf Day, email Sarah Ryan at sarahr@materdei.org.au or call 4655 7481.
For more information on how to become a Sponsor of the Mater Dei Charity Golf Day, please view our Sponsorship Package here.
Mater Dei Ladies Lipstick Luncheon
The Ladies Lipstick Luncheon was held on Friday 5th May, nine days before Mother's Day. Over 550 ladies (and gentlemen!) came together at The Cube to conclude their workweek with a delicious lunch, surprise special guest entertainment and performances by our students and young adults. It's a great social event for an even greater cause that never fails to bring our local community of dynamic women together.
The Ladies Lipstick Luncheon has a very enthusiastic committee, led by Rebekah Gates and including Anne Adam, Pina Nasso, Sarita Viler, Karina Rauch, Donna O'Neill, Anna Younan, Alison McManus and Sarah Ryan.
For more information or if you would like to be involved in the Luncheon, email Sarah Ryan at sarahr@materdei.org.au or call 02 4655 7481.
Mater Dei Foundation Dinner
The Mater Dei Foundation Dinner is our biggest annual fundraising event, held in September. The highlight of the night is always the performances from our talented Mater Dei School students and NextPath Young Adults. It is a wonderful night and a great opportunity to feel connected not only to our community but to the students and Young Adults at Mater Dei.
Our hard working and hands-on committee, led by Jim Marsden and including John Adam, Kevin O'Keefe, Kristen Green, Greg Copeland, Bryson Shafer, Nadine Fitzpatrick and Tim Knapp, make each Foundation Dinner a spectacular night that our community looks forward to each year.