Breast Ball Raises Big Bucks

An evening abounding with glitz, glamour and surpassing inspiration, the Best Breast Ball, was the BEST yet. Over 700 guests flocked to the Waterview Convention Centre, Homebush on Saturday the 21st June, for the much anticipated and never disappointing Best Breast Ball.

Hosted by Greg and Debbie Castle, the 3rd annual Best Breast Ball, generated $110,000 for the NSW Breast Cancer Institute (BCI) which is part of Sydney West Area Health Service. The generosity of the guests continued throughout the evening with a silent and live auction of sports memorabilia, jewellery and holiday packages. The money raised will fund a support pack for young women with Breast Cancer as well as the 12th BCI Public Forum, to be broadcasted from Westmead Hospital on August 25th to over 60 locations across Australia.

Johanna Griggs, former Olympic swimmer and television presenter, was the MC for the night. The variety of music kept the dance floor jumping with sets from the Bird Yard Big Band, Squid Munchies and the Hoodoo Gurus. Doc Neeson, former lead singer from the Angels closed the evening with a brilliant come-back performance.

 

Debbie received surprise video messages from celebrities Bruce McAvaney, Delta Goodrem and Peter Garrett. But the nights highlight was the emotional tribute to Debbie from husband Greg, performing “Your Song.” This was followed by the surprise appearance of their sons Jordan, 6 and Ryan, 3. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

 

The Best Breast Ball is a fundraiser like no other, whilst providing fantastic food and great entertainment; it is also a hugely personal and inspirational evening for the Castles. At the end of Debbie’s first round of treatment in 2005, Greg decided to organise an evening to celebrate. An idea that started as a small dinner with friends transformed into a fundraising ball for 300 people, a figure which has grown exponentially each year.  Prof John Boyages, Director of the Institute said, “I am totally humbled by the enormous strength of Greg and Debbie in fighting this dreaded disease which recurred last year and still having the strength and generosity to raise much needed funds for the BCI”

 

The Castle’s have worked tirelessly to organise every aspect of the ball in the face of great adversity. Despite the recurrence of Debbie’s cancer they continue to raise awareness and focus on celebrating life, “As Deb continues her fight, this event provides a positive focus for us, as well as inspirational drive for Deb to keep going.

It is living proof that ANYTHING is possible,” said Greg.

Sadly, in September 2007, Debbie lost her battle with breast cancer. This year’s Best Breast Ball, to be held at Miramare Gardens on the 21st of June 2008 promises to be a very special night. Featuring appearances from ‘Dancing with the Stars’ cast members and fantastic big band entertainment. It will be a celebration of Debbie’s life and the work she did in enabling the NSW BCI to help other young women with breast cancer. Last Updated on Friday, 04 April 2008 02:10