There’s a special energy that builds when good people gather with a clear purpose. You can feel it in the room. Laptops open. Notes scribbled. Ideas flying. Snacks demolished. That was the vibe at a recent planning session where Gabby joined members of the Tour de Cure committee to map out the road to the Melbourne Gala in February 2026.
The photo says it all: a long table, working papers everywhere, and a team leaning in. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes moment most supporters never see – and exactly where the Frank Montagnese Foundation loves to be. Our role isn’t to take the spotlight; it’s to help build it, so the cause can shine and the money raised can move quickly to projects that change lives.
What “ramping up” actually looks like
In the months ahead, the work splits into a few big streams, each one designed to reduce costs, lift impact and make the guest experience unforgettable.
Partnerships & in-kind support.
Gala nights don’t happen by magic. They rely on the generosity of businesses who underwrite the essentials – lighting, audio-visual, staging, printing, décor, photography, floristry, logistics and more. Every service sponsored is money redirected to research, support and prevention programs. We’re actively engaging partners who can bring excellence to the room and help keep overheads lean.
Raffle and auction curation.
A great prize list is the beating heart of a successful gala. We’re building a mix that caters to every table in the room: premium getaways, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, dining packages, sports and arts moments, plus crowd-pleasers that keep the bidding fun and accessible. If it’s memorable, it can raise serious money.
Volunteer coordination.
When the doors open, a small army keeps everything running. From pledge desks and guest support to ticketing and backstage logistics, volunteers are the quiet heroes who make generosity effortless. Our focus is on role design, briefings and rostering so every helper arrives confident and leaves proud of what they’ve enabled.
Storytelling & comms.
Guests give more when they can see where their dollars go. We’re working with Tour de Cure to sharpen the narrative – from pre-event updates to on-night content and post-event impact reporting – so supporters understand the projects their generosity is fuelling, and the families who’ll benefit.
Why this matters now
Back in June, the Sydney Snow Ball reminded us how powerful this model can be, with a stunning result for cancer research. Melbourne has that same potential – a city with a big heart and a track record of showing up when it counts. Our commitment is simple: help set the stage so people can give with confidence, knowing the night is professionally run, emotionally resonant and ruthlessly efficient in directing funds to where they’re needed most.
How you can help
If you’ve ever wondered how to make a tangible difference, this is your moment. We’re looking for:
- Volunteers for on-night roles (pledge desks, guest support, logistics).
- Raffle and auction prizes (travel, experiences, dining, sport, arts, wellness, unique access).
- In-kind and sponsorship support across AV, staging, lighting, printing, décor, entertainment, photography, transport and more.
Whether you can give time, talent or treasure, we’d love to hear from you. Reach us at info@frankmontagnesefoundation.org and we’ll connect you directly with the right Tour de Cure contact and workstream.
What comes next
Across the next few months, we’ll keep sharing updates as pieces fall into place – partners confirmed, prizes secured, volunteers onboarded. On gala night, the room will feel like pure celebration, but it’s the quiet prep that makes that possible. That’s the work we’re proud to do alongside Tour de Cure and a brilliant committee of volunteers.
To everyone already leaning in – thank you. To those considering it – jump in. Together, we’ll deliver a Melbourne Gala that raises the bar and raises the funds. And somewhere down the line, a family you’ll never meet will feel the ripple of what you helped make happen.
