The Brief:

Sydney’s prestigious St Catherine’s School annually hosts its highly anticipated Gala Lunch, a standout event on the calendar that unites the community for a worthy cause. This year’s fundraising luncheon focused on raising awareness and resources for the school’s Indigenous Scholarship Program, ensuring its continued growth and ability to create lasting opportunities for future generations of First Nations students.

Set to take place at the Hyatt Regency, the event was expected to draw hundreds of guests, including alumni, parents, staff, and community leaders, all united in their commitment to driving positive change.

The Collaboration:

To deliver an unforgettable experience for their annual Foundation Gala Lunch, St Catherine’s turned to acta to source and secure their headline guest. Using the platform, the team was able to connect directly with Olympic gold medallist and national icon Cathy Freeman OAM, ensuring a seamless booking process from initial enquiry through to confirmation.

Using acta, St Catherine’s events team and Cathy’s management shared all key event details seamlessly, covering schedules, travel, stage requirements, and discussion topics. This clear communication ensured every element was prepared in advance, allowing the event to run smoothly and deliver a flawless experience for attendees on the day.

acta connected Cathy with an event that was perfectly aligned with her values, creating a truly rewarding experience for both her and attendees. - Raylyn Christou (General Manager, Catherine Freeman Enterprises)

The Outcome:

It was a fantastic event. Held in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency, St Catherine’s brought together over 400 guests for an afternoon of storytelling, connection, and purpose. The highlight of the day was Cathy Freeman’s in conversation with journalist Allison Langdon, where she shared candid stories from her life from her first hesitant race at age five to the defining moment of her Olympic victory, reflecting on the value of resilience, purpose, and stepping outside one’s comfort zone.

The generosity of guests, sponsors, and the broader St Catherine’s community resulted in nearly $200,000 raised for the Indigenous Scholarship Fund, moving the school closer to its goal of providing these opportunities in perpetuity.

It was an honour to have Cathy Freeman speak at this year's Gala Lunch. Thank you to acta for making it all possible. - Meagan Sharpe (Community Relations Manager, St Catherine’s School)

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