If there’s one thing the Be Wise Ball does well, it shines a light on our wonderful supporters.
With over $60,000 raised this year, it’s a huge thank you from us to all who attended our Be Wise Ball 2023, our amazing array of Ball sponsors and prize donors, as well as everyone who’s helped us throughout the past 12 months.
From the exterior of the Melbourne Town Hall bathed in yellow (the official colour of the Foundation), to the red carpet walk and the entertainment, this year’s Ball pulled out all the stops to create a fantastic occasion to remember Pat and to acknowledge the assistance we’ve received.
Check out the work of our talented videographer Marty Laidler (above) and photographer Melisa Savickas, who were on hand to capture all the action and the atmosphere from what was a truly memorable event.
Pedalling for Pat – the Ride2BeWise
The Foundation is open to all fundraising suggestions – and at this year’s Ball we were honoured to celebrate the achievements of two incredibly determined supporters.
What started out as a “crazy idea” when Melbourne mates Grant and Rick were inspired to “do something for the Foundation” after attending the 2022 Ball quickly became an astonishing initiative for the Foundation.
Proudly supported by Flavorite and Fresh State, the Ride2Wise – a 1500km bicycle ride from Alice Springs to Darwin – raised more than $125,000 in vital cash and attracted prominent media exposure, culminating in a grand reception at Darwin High School.
After putting the call out for anyone in the audience with any other “crazy ideas”, Foundation Director Matt Cronin is pleased to report we’re already now in discussion on a range of promising possibilities.
Our newest ambassador
The Foundation is fortunate to have a variety of celebrities who give generously of their time to help spread the message to Be Wise and end the Coward Punch.
Top rating 3AW radio announcer and entertainer Denis Walter OAM has now joined that group after being called to the stage to officially accept the new role. Look for an upcoming feature on Denis and why he’s so passionate about supporting the Foundation’s messages.
Our impact
“Never has the demand for violence prevention education been greater than right now”
Matt Cronin
It’s hard to believe our presentations have reached an all-time total of over 170,000 young people.
It’s just one of the incredible figures highlighted by Foundation directors Matt and Robyn Cronin in their annual update at the Ball.
The Foundation is on a mission to expand into every state and territory in Australia in 2023, partnering with 249 schools in the past financial year alone.
This financial year (2022-23) we’ve delivered over 360 presentations, reaching more than 69,000 young people.
Another step closer to our mission
It goes without saying that we can’t do what we do alone.
Our major partners – Barry Plant Real Estate, Le Pine Funerals, YVE and the Victorian State Government – provide a backbone of assistance. We’d also like to thank our supporting sponsors – City of Melbourne, Channel 9, 3AW, Raven Scaffolds, Bakers Delight, clover and Aligned Leisure.
Thanks also to the many individuals and businesses for their generous donations and help in making the Ball itself this year such an exciting evening, including: Alba Spa, Amazing Co, Bunnings, Carlton Football Club, Danny Green, Eltham Midway Jewellers, Global Ballooning, Jeff Patchell, Luna Park, Matt Davies, Melbourne Skydeck, Morning Star Press, Neil Connell, Peter Pountney, Priceline Eltham – Mercuri Family, Puffing Billy, Pumpworks – Marcus and Nat Balding, Richmond Football Club, Ritz of Rosanna, Tiffany Hunter, Verve Photography, Vicki Ward, Victorian Racing Club, Westfield Doncaster and Yarra River Cruises.
Let’s continue to work together
The Pat Cronin Foundation is open to all fundraising suggestions. If you’d like to become involved, we’d love to chat. Please contact us at info@patcroninfoundation.org.au To keep up to date with all that we’re doing, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Be Wise. Think Carefully. Act Kindly.
