Perth advertising industry smashes Oasis Ball fundraising target raising an incredible $162,190

Western Australia’s advertising and communications industry has raised $162,190 for The Salavation Army’s Oasis House at the 28th year of the Oasis Ball.

Seamlessly blending professional revelry with charitable endeavour, the Oasis Ball, attended by more than 870 media professionals, clients and interstate guests this year, is a cherished evening of celebration, gratitude, and philanthropy with all monies raised funding Oasis House – an initiative spearheaded by The Salvation Army, aiming to assist disadvantaged youth aged 16-25 years of age.

The Oasis Ball stands as a testament to the collective commitment of the industry to making a difference, unrivalled anywhere else in Australia.

The $160,000 raised adds to the $2.6m raised over the past 27 years and will be directed to Oasis Project to create a range of safe and supported accommodation options for the most disadvantaged young people in our community. These funds will also create opportunities for young people as they journey to independence by supporting life skills and pathways into education and employment.

The Committee have been deliberate in publicly stating their target of $150,000 to ensure they kept themselves accountable and focused to the target.

Michelle Testa, Carat Client Partner and Oasis Chairperson delivered a compelling keynote address calling for the industry to recognise that the event was more than a gathering of industry peers, awards and accolades, but an opportunity to be a force for good.

Testa said: “With 27 years behind us, it was imperative to reconnect with our fundamental purpose, our core values, and our driving force. Upon assuming the role of Chairperson last August, my mission was simple – to reconnect our industry and our event, back to its core purpose – The Salvation Army and the Oasis House initiative. It’s been a 9-month journey of introspection and revitalization for the Committee, reimagining the essence of the Oasis Ball. But we are beyond thrilled that our planning and recalibration to purpose has delivered this fundraising result.”

An emotional moment during the Ball was during the keynote address when the room fell to a deafening silence as guests were asked to cast their eyes to the screens to watch a moving video produced by Moonsail and Sundeck. Guests were left speechless and reminded why they were attending and who they were raising money for. The Committee returned to the stage to kick off the nights fundraising auctioning off 15 suitcases filled with more than $800 worth of vouchers and personal items for the new residents of Oasis House.

Guy Rees, State Manager for The Salvation Army Youth Service said: “This night and this long-term relationship has meant so much to so many. It’s hard to quantify the meaning of this incredible generosity and commitment. The opportunities this funding creates has direct and profound impact on young people’s lives. I have had the privilege for over 20 years to personally witness the hundreds of young people whose lives have been transformed through this initiative. I would like to recognize the amazing work and commitment demonstrated by each committee member to put on such an incredible night. A special thanks to Michelle as Chairperson for her leadership and commitment to the cause. Also, a massive thank you to the agencies who support each of the committee to take on their roles and of course a thank you to the major sponsors who make it all possible. This event is an enormous undertaking, everyone involved should be incredibly proud of what has been achieved. We look forward to the ongoing partnership with the industry.”

The Oasis Committee would like to thank its sponsors and partners in supporting the event, and all those who contributed to smashing the $150,000 fundraising target.

Oasis Committee:
Michelle Testa (Carat), Alicia Campbell (SWM), Eloise Cribb (303ML), Chris Perera (Stream Outdoor), Jodie Allen (Match & Wood), Tia Sullivan (Initiative), Evelyn Dalton (Moonsail), Reyne Thomson (Brand Agency), Luke Whelan (Perth is OK!), Bronte Davy (Rare), Leilani Vakaahi (Urban List), Mitch Dehnel (Channel 9) and Carma Levene (Marketing Consultant)

Contributions made by the following organisations towards achieving our fundraising goal either through financial, product, media package or investment of agency time:
• Major Sponsors: Nine Perth, Crown Perth, ohH! and Val Morgan
• Freedom Flyer Sponsor: Evoke Media
• First Class Lounge sponsor: Foxtel Media
• Cocktail Bar sponsors: oOh!
• Alcohol sponsor: Spirit of Little Things
• Raffle sponsor: Media Tonic and Newscorp
• Photo Booth sponsors: QMS, The Nightly and Val Morgan
• Glam Bar sponsor: StakAdapt
• Mile High After Party sponsor: Digital Loop
• Live and Silent Auction gifting: Nova, SBS, GumGum, Daha Luxury Resorts, Fremantle Dockers
• Print sponsor: Print Logic
• Post Event Survey sponsor: Komo Digital
• Media Package Sponsors: ARN, SWM, Urban List, QMS
• Creative Agency Partner: 303MullenLowe
• Video Production: Moonsail, Sundeck, Sandbox