Minimal Slumber, Maximum Party

Across from the MCG, you could sense the electrifying buzz taking place. Kids, fuelled by pizza, sugar, and popcorn, were running everywhere on the first floor of the Pullman Melbourne on the Park. They owned the night, and as soon as you stepped out of the lift onto the first floor, they made sure you knew it.

“No parents, no rules!”

“I am staying up ALLLLLLLLL night!”

“This is my fifth donut!”, said Andy Lee.

This was the event of the year, a night where rules didn’t apply. The only requirement was to have endless fun, and they did just that.

From arcade games with lines stretching across the room, to nail and face painting, non-stop movies, cartwheels, dominoes, donut walls, popcorn machines, magicians, and superheroes (yes, even Darth Vader showed up), the night was packed with excitement. Sleep was the last thing on anyone’s mind as there was simply too much to do.

Some of Challenge’s special friends joined the fun too. Andy Lee spent the night stealing donuts and playing ping pong, while Marc Pittonet from the Carlton Football Club took over the ping pong table. Essendon Football Club greats from the men’s and women’s teams dazzled our AFL fans with their presence. Some brave kids even challenged them to an arcade games contest, with Sam Draper dominating Dance Dance Revolution 😉.

It was simply the best night, considered one of the biggest Challenge events of the year. No matter the time or the activity, every child wore a bright smile. Being part of this event, with its infectious cackles of laughter and excitement, is always an absolute treat and this year was certainly no different. We all woke up with sore cheeks from smiling.

A heartfelt thank you to all at Melbourne Pullman on the Park, our incredible volunteers, and extraordinary supporters who came ready for a night of minimal slumber and maximum party. Your dedication made the event an extraordinary success, and without your generosity, this unforgettable night wouldn’t have been possible. You are truly the best of the best.