A MAJOR Redlands fundraising event supporting people experiencing homelessness will return later this month for its sixth year, with tickets already sold out.
The There’s No Place Like Home Charity Dinner and Auction will be held at Alexandra Hills Hotel on Saturday, October 17, from 6.30pm.
All 260 available tickets have been sold for the gala, which features drinks and canapes, a two-course dinner, entertainment, photo booth, raffles and live auctions.
Founded in 2021 by Redlands Coast Properties agent Louise Denisenko, the annual event has raised more than $230,000 for local homelessness services.
Funds raised go directly to Redland Community Centre’s Homeless United program, led by chief executive Ronan Wicks and his team.
The program supports people who are homeless or at risk of losing their housing, helping them secure accommodation, rebuild their lives and move towards employment.
Ms Denisenko said the event had grown from an initial gathering of 120 real estate industry guests at Cleveland Courthouse, which raised $20,600.
It moved to Redlands Sporting Club in 2022, raising $32,624 from 150 guests, before relocating to Alexandra Hills Hotel the following year.
The 2023 dinner attracted 180 people and raised more than $42,860, followed by $50,452 in 2024.
Last year’s event drew 220 attendees and raised a record $87,711.
“It is incredible to see how much this event has grown and how generous our local community continues to be,” Ms Denisenko said.
“Every year we see businesses, colleagues and individuals come together because they genuinely want to make a difference to people in our own community.”
Ms Denisenko said backing from the real estate industry and broader business community had been central to the event’s success.
She acknowledged the support of her team and fellow agents Bianca Stubbs, of Bianca Stubbs Real Estate; Leanne Bojarski, of REMAX On Point; Julie O’Callaghan, of @ Realty; and Tanya Campbell Flood, of First National Cleveland.
“We want everyone to feel welcome and be part of it,” Ms Denisenko said.
“Whether you purchase a ticket, donate an item, sponsor the event or simply help spread the word, every bit of support makes a difference.”
