28th Robert Allenby Golf Day and Gala Dinner

News: 28 January 2020

Celebrating its 28^th year, 2019’s Robert Allenby Golf Day and Gala Dinner was a strong reminder of why this event has been a Challenge staple for so many years. Perfect weather, incredible company and a whole lot of fun – what more could you ask for?

With the Yarra Yarra Golf Club undergoing renovations, we changed things up this year with a new venue and the Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club certainly delivered. Firm and fast with tilted greens, the course played immaculately for our guests, who only had good things to say of the Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club!

The day saw some people swing better than others, winning prizes for our Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin competitions. While individual accolades are always impressive, teamwork shines the brightest with one team standing out the most. This year’s winners were long-time Challenge supporters from team One68, who went home with the chocolates – a scrumptious set each of Mizuno fully fitted clubs and bags!

After teeing it up on the golf course, the fun continued as we made our way to the Palladium at Crown. After a day on the course himself (and quite the golfer he is!), our chairman Tom Gleisner took to the stage as MC and did an amazing job as always.

The Gala Dinner also featured some star-studded performances from the ever-talented Transit Dance as well as Australian rock legend, Daryl Braithwaite, who brought all our guests to their feet as he belted out some of his greatest hits. The man certainly still has it at the ripe old age of 71 – absolute legend!

But amidst all the fun and glamour of the night, there was a highlight that stood out the most: the generosity. From the live and silent auctions to the $20,000+ raised in the room for #TheDreadedShave campaign, we were overwhelmed by just how giving everyone was and how willing they were to support Challenge. The kindness of the everyday person never ceases to amaze us.

To our international patron Robert Allenby, we say thank you. You show up every year with a genuine determination to make this event the best and biggest yet, all with the goal of raising enough funds to support our kids and families who need it most. And what truly distinguishes you and makes you such a loved member of our community is your consistency and passion. You are here for the long haul and never waver in your support.

Thank you to all our major sponsors – ALH Group, Bushnell Golf, Crown, Encore, Focal Promotions, Graphicvm, Impact Digital, Mizuno and Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club – for supporting and believing in this event.

Finally, to all our amazing volunteers, we cannot articulate how amazing you all are! Thank you for generously donating your time to bring this event together – you are true superstars.

We hope everyone enjoyed the day and night as much as we did, and we look forward to seeing what 2020 will bring!