The committee is led by Joe Morello and made up by Francesca Daniele, Mary Ann Vitale, Rose Morello and Marina Mandoulidis.
Each year, the group chooses one particular cause to focus their 12-month fundraising campaign on.
This year’s special cause was Joel’s Journey, established for young Italo-Australian Joel Sardi, whose life changed forever four years ago.
Following a fall in 2014, Sardi suffered a debilitating spinal cord injury leaving him a quadriplegic.
He is paralysed from the shoulders down, has no movement in his legs and his upper body can only activate his biceps, forearms and wrists.
Sardi immediately began physiotherapy and rehabilitation – first in Melbourne, then in San Diego and near the Gold Coast, where he is currently.
Determined and patient, Sardi knows that the road to full rehabilitation is a long one, but he’s grateful for the progress he’s made so far and committed to go even further.
An Australian Army veteran, Sardi inspires people by sharing his journey on the internet, social media and through public speaking events.
The Blush committee managed to raise an impressive amount for Sardi and his family this year, with their Blush Gala Ball last month, and other events such as a High Tea and Golf Day.
On Monday, the committee handed over the sum of $44,000, in the presence of sponsors and the companies, which contributed to the success of this fundraising campaign, alongside individual donations.
In his acceptance speech, Sardi thanked the Blush committee for their hard work and compassion.
“Every day we turn on the TV or listen to the radio and are overwhelmed with bad news,” he said.
“We don’t hear of things like this and people like you who make the world a better place and allow someone like me to live a great life.
“You should be honoured and proud for what you have done and what you have achieved.”
