Meet Small Steps 4 Hannah
In February 2020, the Clarke Family lost their daughter Hannah and her three children to an unthinkable act of domestic violence.
Founded in their memory, Small Steps 4 Hannah has since rallied millions across Australia to end the cycle of domestic and family violence once and for all.
This year, The Foundation hosted its Second Annual Gala Ball in Hannah's honor. It was the first time they used travel consignment, and the event raised thousands to fund vital awareness and crisis support programs.
We spoke with Fundraising and Event Manager Carrie Fortunaso to learn how the funds are changing lives and bringing hope and healing to those affected.
Turning small steps into giant leaps forward
“The murder of Hannah Clarke and her children was a ‘line in the sand’ moment in Australia,” shares Fortunaso, “a moment when our community came together and said ‘where domestic and family violence is concerned, enough is enough!’”
“Through Small Steps 4 Hannah the Clarke family hopes to harness the collective desire in all of us to make positive changes required to HALT domestic and family violence and take the steps required to do it; small steps that will eventually be giant leaps forward.”
Providing a lifeline to partners and survivors
The Foundation has been instrumental in advancing legislative reform in Australia, as well as funding relief efforts and vital services for those affected by domestic and family violence.
“Through our ongoing fundraising efforts, our Foundation can offer ongoing grants to smaller grass-roots charities who need funding to operate their programs,” explains Fortunaso.
Since 2021, the Foundation has provided over $200,000 in funding for projects such as crisis support, safe housing, and healing workshops.
Fundraising events play a crucial role in securing these funds and ensuring the Foundation and its partners can continue their mission.
An evening to remember in honor of Hannah and her children
This year, Small Steps 4 Hannah hosted their Second Annual Gala Ball in honor of Hannah's legacy.
Co-hosted by television presenter Allison Langdon and actor-comedian Peter Rowsworth, the event rallied some of Australia's most prominent public figures.
"We had 400 guests turn out to support the Foundation," says Fortunaso, "including politicians, sporting celebrities, corporate leaders, and families."
The holidays LuxGive offers are incredible and we are finding them to be most popular.
It was a night to remember, with on-stage entertainment, special guests, and an exciting live auction featuring two LuxGive travel experiences—a breathtaking oceanview villa in the Greek isles and an enchanting Kyoto escape with traditional tea ceremony.
It was the first time the fundraiser used consignment travel at an event, and the trips were an instant hit.
“Since COVID everyone wants to enjoy life again with family and friends,” says Fortunaso. “The holidays LuxGive offers are incredible and we are finding them to be most popular.”
So popular in fact, the experiences sold for over $15,000 AUD.
The Foundation has spread the word to other NPOs and is looking forward to showcasing more LuxGive trips in the future.
With our raffle prizes and auction items we raised enough funds to give out two more grants this year.
Funding a future without domestic and family violence
The funds raised are a testament to Hannah's legacy and will have a life-changing impact on families across Australia.
“With our raffle prizes and auction items we raised enough funds to give out two more grants this year,” shares Fortunaso.
"The funds will also assist the H.A.L.T. Educational Program being rolled out in schools next year."
This groundbreaking program aims to intervene in the cycle of domestic and family violence by raising awareness in youths and helping them recognize the warning signs.
"As the year is ending and our new Education Program commencing soon, funds will go towards this Educational Program as a priority,” explains Fortunaso.
“It is vital to educate young children about ‘respectful relationships’ while they are still young and to recognize the red flags.”
Congratulations on the success of your fundraiser, Small Steps 4 Hannah 👣
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