Illawarra Police Charity Ball tickled pink for its return in 2025
Tuesday, 27 May 2025 04:36:08 PM
The Illawarra Police Charity Ball will turn a shade of pink this year, to raise money for the McGrath Cancer Care Nurses.
Since 1985, the Illawarra Police Charity Ball (IPCB) has raised more than $500,000 dollars for Illawarra and South Coast charities – with assistance from the local community and businesses – making it one of the longest running police charity balls in the state.
Last year, IPCB raised more than $14,500 for the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra (MCCI) for its Youth Scholarship Program. A portion of fundraising efforts each year is donated to the NSW Police Legacy, with $3600 raised in 2024, to provide care and ongoing support to the families of police officers who have suffered a loss.
Illawarra Police Charity Ball Committee President Chief Superintendent John Klepczarek said there are plans for a greater expansion of the event in 2025.
“We’re tickled pink to be returning to the Fraternity Club, where the event began back in 1985. We really want to extend the invite to all members of the community and we believe raising money for the McGrath Foundation which has such a far-reaching impact will do just that. Sadly, many of us have been touched by cancer and with the McGrath Foundation now raising money for all cancer patients, not just those suffering breast cancer, we know this money will go a long way to helping patients across the Illawarra and South Coast,” Mr Klepczarek said.
“This is a whole of community event and we would love to see the entire community support such a worthy cause and sport a shade of pink in honour of this year’s charity. Last year we raised more than fifteen thousand dollars but we are hoping to exceed that this year and have already seen wonderful support from local businesses and our community. We’re excited our major sponsor Nikolovski Lawyers has come on board for the first time, along with continued support from Police Bank.”
McGrath Foundation Ambassador and Director Tracey Bevan welcomed its selection as the charity beneficiary for the 2025 IPCB.
"The McGrath Foundation is so grateful for the generosity and support of community fundraisers like the Illawarra Police Charity Ball. The money raised helps fund McGrath Cancer Care Nurses, who provide free, expert care and support to people experiencing any type of cancer and their families across Australia,” Tracey Bevan said.
With over 169,000 cases of cancer diagnosed each year and 1 in 2 people in Australia diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, we can't thank the Illawarra community enough for helping to ensure that no one goes through cancer without the care of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse.”
Throughout the night, various fundraising activities will be held, including a raffle and live auction. Prizes include a pink bat signed by one of cricket’s most successful fast bowlers Glen McGrath and signed sunglasses from the Australian cricket team including signatures from Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Hazelwood.
The Frocks and the NSW Police Band will provide entertainment, with various displays from the NSW Police Mounted Unit and Traffic and Highway Patrol.
The Illawarra Police Charity Ball will be held on Friday 4 July 2024 at The Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow.
Tickets are $150 per person, and available to purchase through Try Booking Australia.
Businesses interested in donating items can contact the IPCB committee by emailing ipcb@police.nsw.gov.au.