A golden statue – that turned out to be a man! – greeted clients, families, and team members at the entrance to Werribee Function and Events Centre as Gellibrand got into the festive spirit with our annual Christmas Party on Friday 3 December.
In the foyer, a face-painting team dressed as Christmas elves drew body art and festive colours next to the smiles on children’s and client’s faces, while the DJ spun some mellow tunes and everyone got busy buying tickets for the incredible array of raffle prizes on offer.
If you couldn’t find something you liked amongst the kids’ toys, wine and whiskey, food hampers, gardening supplies, homeware, puzzles, artworks, fragrances – and even work boots and an air fryer – you weren’t looking hard enough. And there were also MAP clients’ ‘Jams and Jellies’ for sale.
With a background view this year of Werribee race course, the Christmas party was, as always, a great chance for Gellibrand clients, families, and team members to dress up in festive clothes and enjoy food, drinks, and fun together while celebrating the past year.
“It’s a great party,” said Gellibrand client, Nu Huynh. “My brother and sister-in-law are here and it’s great to see them. I had the pasta and the lamb shoulder to eat. That was very good!”
Many team members wore pink to honour client Dean Broughton who sadly passed away in November. Gellibrand’s Business Manager Justin Sacco, resplendent in pink jacket, announced the first raffle prize winners to the 400-strong crowd and cheers went up from tables as the lucky tickets were held aloft.
It takes eight months to pull the Christmas party raffle prizes together, and former Gellibrand Committee of Management member Ann McGowan has organised it for the past six years.
“I love doing it,” she said. “And I get a lot of help these days.” Ann added that people were always supportive when they knew their money assisted not-for-profit Gellibrand to support people who live with disabilities. This year, money raised from the raffle will go towards gaming items for Gellibrand’s two holiday houses.
While dinner was served, a magician surprised diner with tricks and a three-piece mariachi band serenaded them with Mexican standards and pop tunes, including a rousing version of ‘Happy Birthday’ for client Connie Messina. Not long after that it was time for a visit from Santa, who kept the kids entertained as he studied their Christmas lists (and some of the adults’ lists).
“It’s good to see friends and all the workers. And I like the band,” said client Stephen Cauchi who was kitted out in festive elf hat and Christmas t-shirt. He had to get ready then, along with all the clients, to accept his annual present from team members.
Client Patrick Dale, off in a corner enjoying a chat with team members Daniel Teba and Roula Chalouhi, had two words to describe his favourite part of the Christmas party.
“The dancing,” he said.
With dessert eaten and the lights down, it was time for the DJ to crank up the disco tunes. And, appropriately given the happy community vibe in the room, Sister Sledge’s ‘We Are Family’ drew clients, families, and team members to the dance floor to bust some moves.
What a Christmas party! Gellibrand thanks Ann McGowan for organising the raffle, the Christmas Party Committee for all its hard work, and those behind the scenes, running around and decorating!
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