THE Redlands community turned out in full force on Saturday for the 11th annual Dîner en Rouge, raising an extraordinary $150,000 to support domestic and family violence prevention, emergency support, and frontline services.
Held at the Redland Sporting Club, the sell-out event brought together more than 200 guests including community leaders, sponsors, and passionate advocates determined to create change.
The evening featured the official launch of the Angela Petersen Emergency Support Fund, a legacy initiative created through a bequest to the Redland Foundation to provide immediate financial assistance to victims of domestic violence through local support organisations.
Approximately $50,000 was raised on the night, with a further $100,000 donation announced from Auto Electrical Imports, doubling the fund’s capacity and impact.
This brings the total amount raised by the community over the life of the event close to $700,000.
Dîner en Rouge organiser Karen Williams said the success of the event was a testament to the strength and compassion of the local community.
“Dîner en Rouge has always been about more than fundraising – it’s about acknowledging the reality of domestic and family violence in our own community, and standing together to do something about it,” Ms Williams said.
“To raise $150,000 is extraordinary, but what’s even more powerful is the message it sends: that Redlands will not look away.”
Guests were treated to a stunning performance by international soprano Mirusia and a lively panel discussion hosted by journalist and RizeUp ambassador Bianca Stone.
The panel featured insights from Maybanke Crisis Accommodation, The Betterment Project and Share the Dignity.
The Angela Petersen Emergency Support Fund honours the memory of Angela Petersen, a Redlands local whose estate was left to the Redland Foundation to support women and families impacted by domestic violence.
Plans are already underway for the Foundation’s next major initiative: a shared transitional housing project for women and children fleeing domestic violence, with an open invitation extended to the housing industry to get involved.
For details or to donate, visit redlandfoundation.org.au.
