On a Wing and a Prayer A Huge Success
03 Apr 2008
Craig Wing’s ‘On a Wing and a Prayer’ fundraising dinner for Down Syndrome NSW was an unmitigated success, with over $250,000 being raised for the worthwhile charity.
Wing was joined by his Rabbitohs team mates, Executive Chairman Peter Holmes à Court, Head Coach Jason Taylor, Director of Athletic Performance Errol Alcott , former Australian Cricket Captain Steve Waugh and South Sydney legends John Sattler, Bob McCarthy, Ian Roberts and Mario Fenech in helping to raise the much needed funds for the Down Syndrome support organisation.
Ray Martin was master of ceremonies, and Australian rock legend Diesel and comedian Brian Doyle entertained the audience of over 600 guests at the function which was held at Doltone House at Pyrmont Point. Rugby League commentator Ray Hadley conducted the auction which raised nearly $200,000 itself, media personality Mikey Robbins directed a sports panel with Messrs Sattler, McCarthy, Roberts and Fenech about their times at the Rabbitohs. Mr Sattler thrilled the audience when he sang the version of the Rabbitohs victory song that his team used to sing in the 1960’s and 70’s, on stage at the event.
Wing was thankful for the support shown for the organization.
“I want to thank everyone here for their support of the night and their support of Down Syndrome NSW,” Craig said.
“I’ve been the patron of Down Syndrome NSW for some years now and I thought to myself last year, what have I actually done to support them. Six months later and we’re all here tonight.
“My sister Kirsty is here tonight and she has Down Syndrome. She is a massive Rabbitohs fan but she is disappointed that we wear red and green, and not pink and sparkly!
“It’s people like her and our other guests here tonight that we are all here to support and again I thank you for your help in helping them.”
On-stage dance performances from the ‘Merry-makers’, a group of young men and women with Down Syndrome, opened the evening, along with stories from mother Melissa Cottrell whom passionately spoke about how she came to cope with having her daughter Alyssa born with Down Syndrome. Office-worker and actor Ruth Cromer also spoke about living with Down Syndrome and what can be achieved by people with this disability, once given the opportunity.
If you wish to learn more about Down Syndrome and Down Sydney NSW, click on www.dsansw.org.au.
To see photos from the 'On the Wing and Prayer' event, click here.