MotorOn Charity Ball 2022

On Saturday 30 July, the Southern Highlands community donned their finest party apparel and dug deep to raise an incredible $350,000 for MND research.

Never underestimate the power of friendship

Since 2015, MotorOn has been fundraising through its glittering charity ball and other events and has raised over $1.5 million.

It’s run by a group of friends rallying together to show their support for their friend Gill Truman, who was diagnosed with MND in 2012. The MotorOn Charity Ball has become a night of nights in the Southern Highlands, and its success is testimony to the power of friendship.

“I am completely overwhelmed by the community support,” said Gill. “We've raised a lot in the past, but this ball was a record! The support has been phenomenal, whether it's people giving of their time, buying auction items or donating items. I find people's generosity extraordinary.”

The ball took place at the beautiful Book Barn, Bendooley Estate in Berrima and was attended by 280 people, with a live auction, described as electric with frenzied bidding! A silent auction, a raffle and a cash grab added to the fundraising activities, and guests enjoyed a sumptuous meal, entertainment by local band Ella’s Holiday and speeches by Prof Dom Rowe and Gill Truman.

MC Will Carpenter and Gill Truman who delivered her speech through eye gaze technology.

MotorOn friends from left: Georgia O'Hara, Kristy Graham, Lucy Knight, Felicity Middleton, Melissa Lawrence, Gill Truman (middle)