Lighthouse recently welcomed supporters, partners, and friends to our annual Chairman’s Event at the stunning Raheen Estate, generously hosted by Fiona Geminder and Heloise Pratt.
The evening brought together a community united by a shared commitment to supporting children and young people experiencing homelessness, trauma, and disadvantage. It was an intimate and deeply meaningful gathering that highlighted the transformative power of long-term therapeutic care.
From the moment guests arrived at the historic estate, there was a sense of generosity, compassion, and purpose. The evening was a powerful reminder that lasting change is possible when communities come together to invest in the future of vulnerable children and young people.
Powerful Stories of Resilience and Recovery
Expertly guided by MC Clint Stanaway, guests were taken on an emotional journey through stories that reflected both the challenges faced by young people experiencing homelessness and the hope that emerges through consistent care and support.
A highlight of the evening was hearing from former Lighthouse young person Nada, alongside Lighthouse Patron, Board Member, and former young person Christine Campbell. Both shared deeply personal reflections on their experiences of trauma, homelessness and healing.
Nada spoke with remarkable courage and honesty about her journey and the support she received through Lighthouse. As she shared her story, the room fell silent. Her strength, resilience and determination were a powerful testament to what can be achieved when young people are given the opportunity to heal in a safe and supportive environment.
Christine also delivered a moving reflection on her lived experience of trauma, abuse and homelessness. She spoke about the profound impact of having people who continued to stand beside her through life’s most difficult moments, highlighting the importance of long-term relationships and unwavering support in the recovery journey.
Together, their stories provided a powerful insight into why therapeutic care matters and the life-changing difference it can make for young people facing significant adversity.
Supporting Young People Through Long-Term Therapeutic Care
At Lighthouse, we know that healing from trauma takes time. Our evidence-informed therapeutic model is designed to provide children and young people with the stability, safety and support they need to recover, build resilience and transform their lives.
The stories shared throughout the evening reinforced the importance of investing in long-term solutions to youth homelessness and trauma. When young people are surrounded by caring adults and provided with tailored therapeutic support, they can overcome extraordinary challenges and achieve outcomes that once seemed out of reach.
A Heartfelt Thanks
We extend our sincere thanks to Fiona Geminder and Heloise Pratt for so generously opening their home and hosting this special event.
Thank you also to our event committee, Chairman Len Warson, Board Member Amit Holckner and Patron Jane Badler Hains, whose dedication and support helped bring the evening to life.
We are equally grateful to the Raheen Estate team for their exceptional hospitality, and to the Lighthouse Marketing and Fundraising team whose hard work and care ensured the event was such a memorable success.
Together, We Are Transforming Lives
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended, donated or pledged their support on the night.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community, more than $200,000 has been raised so far to support children and young people experiencing homelessness and trauma through Lighthouse programs.
Every contribution helps create opportunities for healing and stability. Together, we are ensuring that more young people have access to the therapeutic care and support they need to heal, grow and thrive.
Thank you for standing with Lighthouse and helping transform young lives.
