novita news - Novita Children's Services

vol 29 / no. 2novita newsjune 2006

A word from the Chief ExecutiveWelcome to the winter 2006edition of the Novita News.Like all businesses, June is a verybusy time for the team at Novita. Weare half way through a busy schoolterm, our fundraising events are in fullswing and the end of financial year isdrawing ever closer.We are also into the final stages ofdevelopment of the exciting newNovita Strategic Plan. This dynamicand ambitious document will guidethe organisation until 2010 and aimsto cement Novita’s position as aleader in the provision of children’sservices on the world stage. Weare planning a range of activities tolaunch the plan to our supportersand stakeholders, and I look forwardto sharing our vision with you in thecoming months.With the recent success of our largestfamily event, Novita’s Convoy for Kids(see pages 4 & 5), I am once againreminded of the generous spirit ofthe South Australian community. Itwas truly wonderful to see hundredsof local truckies donating their timeto put smiles on our childrens’ faces– not to mention the crowds wholined the Convoy route to cheer onthese special little passengers.On behalf of all of our families, I’dlike to thank each and every one ofour sponsors, supporters, auxiliarymembers and volunteers for theirongoing commitment to Novita. Ilook forward to continuing thesepartnerships into the new financialyear, and working closely with all ofyou to ensure a bright and shiningfuture for hundreds of Novita’s ‘littlestars’.Glenn RappensbergChief ExecutiveNovita Children’s ServicesInside the News...Novita News is published byNovita Children’s ServicesPO Box 2438 Regency Park SA 5010EditorKelly MarkosT 8243 8234E kelly.markos@novita.org.auThe opinions expressed in Novita News are thoseof the individual authors and do not necessarilyreflect the views of Novita Children’s Services Incor the editor, unless stated. While every care hasbeen taken in the preparation of Novita News, theinformation contained within is of a general natureonly and does not constitute advice. No liabilityis accepted for any errors it may contain or anydamages or loss that may arise from the use of theinformation provided.2 - 3 Novita corporate update 14 2006 Down Every Street Appeal4 - 5 Novita’s Convoy for Kids 14 Mexican Madness6 I swear by 891 15 Global knowledge for local kids7 A new voice for Darryl 15 Robyn Chaplin Memorial Golf Day8 Toys that keep on giving 16 Sports Challenge Foundation9 Local businessessupporting Novita17 Sports Challenge FoundationDinnerArticles from Novita News may be reproducedin other forums, provided the information isreproduced in full, with written acknowledgementof its source.10 - 13 Cover story - ‘Two Peasin a Pod’18 - 19 Coming events

Who’s whoat Novita Children’s Services?As the ‘face’ of Channel 7 newsin Adelaide, we’re used to seeingJohn Riddell on our TV screens.But recently we’ve been seeingJohn in a very different light – as apassionate Novita supporter.‘It’s a joy to play a small part inhelping these families. I can’t do asmuch as I’d like because of workcommitments, but I do what I can andit’s hugely rewarding.’Novita ambassador John RiddellAs a weekday news presenter, Johnjuggles a diary full of work, familyand publicity commitments. But hestill manages to find time to supportNovita, through his work with Novita’sSports Challenge Foundation and asa Novita ambassador.John says it all started through an oldmate, Russell Ebert, six years ago.‘I was aware of his work for the SportsChallenge Foundation and askedif he needed a hand. He said “yep,you’re in”, and I’ve been helping outever since.John sees his role as a ‘public face’of Novita as an honour and privilege.‘We should all make time to givesomething back to the community,and support South Aussie familieswho need our help.‘I think everyone who has given or isthinking of giving to Novita should getout and meet these amazing kids,to see what the money actually buysand how Novita’s work is changinglives.’Community Relations Coordinator LornaRiddleAfter 27 years as a FinancialPlanner, Lorna Riddle waslooking for a career that offeredmore personal satisfaction. Andas Novita’s new CommunityRelations Coordinator, Lornais now fulfilling her passion forhelping people and making a realdifference in the community.‘I’d been thinking about a completecareer change for years, and assoon as I saw the Novita positionadvertised I just knew I had to apply,’she says.‘It was all I had been looking for andmore - and it has felt like a perfect fitfrom day one!’Lorna has spent years volunteeringfor various charities and organisingfundraisers, so believes she has theright mix of passion and experienceto make a real impact in her new role.‘I’m very excited about meeting andconnecting with Novita’s auxiliariesand showing them how Novita cansupport their fundraising and help outwith their events,’ she says.Novita’s 32 auxiliaries have around300 members and volunteers,and raise more than $170,000 forNovita’s children each year. If you areinterested in being part of an auxiliary,setting up your own fundraisinggroup or just volunteering to help outwith an auxiliary event, give Lorna acall on (08) 8243 8223.

Keep on truckin’Novita’s Convoy for KidsYou could certainly hear Novitacoming on Sunday 28 May – whenmore than 500 cheering children‘took to the trucks’ and honkedtheir way around Adelaide for the14th annual Novita Convoy forKids.There were plenty of firsts at thisyear’s Convoy, including a new date,a new venue at the Distinctive HomesDome at Findon and a new routethrough the heart of Adelaide. Add tothis the perfect weather, rides, games,sporting legends, Home and Awaystars and more than 300 trucks, andit’s no wonder a record number ofchildren were registered to ride!Former Novita client Brett Lewis is now one of Convoy’sfavourite truckies!Novita families had a visit from Home and Away stars,including Tim Campell (left) and Paul O’Brien (right)Ready to wave the starting flag are (l - r) Novitaambassador John Riddell, Chief Executive GlennRappensberg and the Hon Jennifer Rankine, MP

Three years ago, Jared Williams took part in his very first Convoyfor Kids. He also met a very special truckie, Graham Murdock,who drives all the way from the Yorke Peninsula every year to bepart of this special day.SA sporting stars tested their skills for a friendly game of balloon soccer... (above and below)In 2006, for the fourth time in a row, Graham chauffeured his littlefriend Jared in Novita’s Convoy for Kids. Graham’s big blue andwhite Mac truck is nicknamed Popa Murf – and the boys are nowsuch great mates that Jared calls Graham ‘Popa’ too!Pictured are Popa and Jared practicing their air guitar skills.The colour and excitement of Novita’s Convoy for Kidsjust wouldn’t be possible without the generous supportof Novita’s wonderful sponsors. This year, a huge thanksgoes out to the event’s major sponsor, Coles/BiLo, andto the team at the Transport Workers Union. Also manythanks to SA Police, Mix 102.3, Channel 7, the Elizabeth/Playford and Charles Sturt Lions Clubs, the CharlesSturt/Grange Rotary Club, the City of Charles Sturt and theBasketball Associaton of South Australia for helping usmake the 2006 Convoy the best yet.

I swear by 891bringing back the ‘swear jar’Novita clients cruisin’ the zoo on a ClubYackety Yack Zoo Day, organised by Novitaand ParaQuad SAEvery year, popular SA radiostation 891 ABC Adelaide holdsa special winter appeal to raisemoney for a local cause. In 2006the ABC has chosen to supportsome very special Novita families,through its fantastic I Swear by891 campaign.Throughout June, 891 will beencouraging South Aussiebusinesses, sporting clubs,workplaces and even families to puta special I swear by 891 box in theiroffices, clubrooms or homes. Andfor the month of July, everyone whoswears will be asked to donate a goldcoin to support Novita children whofind communication through speechvery difficult.will help Novita support thesechildren and their families – throughthe creation of Club Yackety Yack, aspecial community of children andfamilies with complex communicationneeds.’Mr Rappensberg says that becausethey are unable to communicatequickly and freely with their peers,Club Yackety Yack children can missout on activities that other childrenenjoy on a regular basis.‘With the help of thousands of SouthAustralians who register for the ISwear by 891 campaign, we arehoping to raise more than $40,000 forClub Yackety Yack,’ he says.Novita Chief Executive, GlennRappensberg, says many Novitachildren can find even simpleverbal communication extremelychallenging.‘For most of us, speech is a gift thatwe take for granted – and often usefor silly purposes, like swearing. Butfor many Novita children, their speechis not adequate to meet even themost basic communication needs,’he says.‘Imagine not being able to ask aquestion, let someone know that youneed their help or even say “I loveyou”?‘But the good news is, money raisedthrough the I Swear by 891 campaign‘This will allow us to organise a rangeof special Club Yackety Yack familyevents, like a weekend camp anda zoo day, to give member familiesa rare chance to explore, learn andreally connect with other families justlike theirs.’Novita and 891 ABC Adelaide arenow on the hunt for businesses,sporting clubs and families tobe part of the I Swear by 891campaign in July. For moreinformation, tune in to 891 ABCfrom mid-June or contact LindaMcIntyre, Novita BusinessDevelopment Coordinator on8243 8231 or via email atlinda.mcintyre@novita.org.au byMonday 26 June.

He’s all talk...a new voice for DarrylNovita staff (l-r) Tim Ziersch, Nigel Duckett,Lloyd Walker and Matthew Magarey withDarryl (centre)Life’s tough for a single bloketrying to meet new girls. Justask 30-something single DarrylSellwood, who says living withcerebral palsy can make it extratough to strike up a conversation.‘I love meeting and chatting with newpeople, but sometimes it’s hard forpeople who aren’t familiar with me tounderstand my words,’ he says.‘My friends help with interpreting, butthat can be really embarrassing if I’mtrying to chat up a girl!’But meeting new people, and lifein general, is now much easier forDarryl, thanks to the generosity ofUS company Prentke Romich andthe team at NovitaTech, Novita’stechnology division.‘I’ve always loved this system, but it’salways been considered a non-optionbecause of the high price. So whenI heard about the giveaway, I knew Ihad to give it a shot.’Darryl has his own home-basedbusiness as a computer programmerand is studying part-time for adegree in Computer and InformationScience. So the device will help himwith his studies and at work, as wellas socially.‘This really will change my life, bysolving issues I’ve had with computeraccess and allowing me to “speak”clearly to everyone I meet,’ he says.NovitaTech Director Dr LloydWalker says there are hundreds ofAustralians who, like Darryl, find‘deep’ communication very difficult.Prentke Romich, a world leaderin augmentative and assistivecommunication technology,celebrated its 40th anniversary in2006 by giving away 40 electroniccommunications devices. Andwith some help from NovitaTech,Darryl’s application was chosen fromhundreds around the globe to receivea free communication device.‘Darryl is incredibly charismatic with afantastic mind and a true zest for life.This device will open so many newdoors for him, and will really help himto reach his full potential,” Dr Walkersays.‘Our hope is that he will master thedevice then go on to become amentor, tutor and advocate for otheradults in similar situations.’‘When I was young I was a client ofNovita Children’s Services and as anadult I have stayed in touch regularlywith NovitaTech, to see if there’sany new technology to improve mycommunication,’ Darryl says.Of the 40 devices given away, 30went to applicants in the US whileNovitaTech helped to secure twodevices for Australian applicants– one for Darryl and one for a 12-year-old Queensland boy.

Sharing the funNovita Toy and Resource CentreClients and siblings always have fun at theholiday programs run in Novita’s Toy andResource CentreNovita provides some prettyspecial services to South Aussiechildren and their families– but for many Novita kids, theirfavourite part of Novita is the funfilledToy and Resource Centre(TRC)!On the ground floor of Novita’sRegency Park Centre, the TRC isa wonderful resource for clients,parents, carers, students, staff andprofessionals. It boasts SA’s largestcollection of materials on physicaldisability, plus more than 4000specially selected toys to motivatechildren and help them learn throughplay.Staff checked each toy and sadly hadto part with those that didn’t make thegrade – but the good news is, thesetoys have all been offered a newlease on life!Toys not required by Novita’s regionaloffices were sent to some veryspecial children overseas. The firstcollection was sent to a Sri Lankanorphanage, where they will bringsmiles to the faces of 25 children wholost their families in the tsunami. Thenext package went to Mission WorldAid, who will send them off to Africancountries like Sudan, Uganda andSomalia.Finally, the remaining toys wereNovita families are welcome to playin the library, or they can borrow toysdonated to the Uniting Church atto take home. The library team isWestbourne Park, who will send themeven happy to send toys off to kids into areas affected by famine andcountry areas – and over the past fewAIDS.months, TRC toys have brightenedthe lives of some very special kids It’s nice to know that Novita can offereven further away…its own support to other children inneed, right around the world.brighteningkids’ livesWhile Novita’s Toy and ResourceCentre is one of the largest toylibraries in the country, lately therehave been so many toys it’s hard tofight your way through the doors! Soin April and May, staff undertook amassive stock take, digging throughstorage rooms, dusting off boxesNovita’s Toy and Resource Centreis located on the ground floor ofNovita’s Regency Park Centre, 171Days Road, Regency Park.and checking more than 4,400 toys The centre is open to Novitato assess their suitability for thefamilies and staff from 8.30am tocollection.5pm, Monday to Friday.

SA businessessupporting special SA kidsNovita Chief Executive Glenn Rappensbergand Director of Client Programs, WendyWake-Dyster with the Booze Brothers’donationNovita Senior Physiotherapist MargaritaTsiros (left) and Occupational TherapistChristina Vaughan in one of the newsplinting rooms funded by the AustralianHotels Association (SA)From humble beginnings morethan 65 years ago, NovitaChildren’s Services is today aworld leader in the provision oftherapy, equipment and familysupport services to more than1000 South Aussie kids withdisabilities.Every year Novita must raise millionsof dollars to meet the ongoingrequirements of our children and theirfamilies. Only 60% of our financialneeds are met by the Government,which means we rely heavily onthe support of the South Australiancommunity.As our children grow and changeso do their needs, which means thedemand on our services is relentless.Throughout a child’s life they couldrequire everything from counselingand physiotherapy right through toexpensive equipment like motorisedwheelchairs and home modifications.This really adds up – sometimes tohundreds of thousands of dollars tosupport just one child!Two South Australian businesseshave recently shown their support forNovita, with generous donations toprovide essential new equipment forour children.The Booze Bothers Staff CharitableFund donated an incredible $16,650,which was used to provide urgentlyneeded equipment to children withprogressive and incurable illnesses.The funds provided seven piecesof essential equipment, including a$4000 electric bed, a $3000 showerchair and a $5000 lifting device.The Australian Hotels Association(AHA) SA has also shown theirsupport for Novita, with a generous$13,600 contribution from their HotelCare Community Projects Fund.The money was used to refurbishthe Splinting Rooms at Novita’s fiveregional offices, which are used to fitchildren with plasters and splints aspart of their treatment. The donationsaw each room fitted out with muchneeded tools, chairs, trolleys andbenches – and even a few new toysto make treatment a little easier forthe children.By working together with localbusinesses like Booze Brothers andthe AHA SA, Novita is changing thelives of thousands of local childrenwhose daily life is a struggle.With the end of financial year fastapproaching, now is the perfecttime to show your support. Alldonations of $2 or more aretax deductible – plus there’sthe added ‘feel-good factor’of doing your bit for Novita’sinspirational families! There aremany ways your business canhelp, so if you’re interested infinding out how, contact LindaMcIntyre, Business DevelopmentCoordinator, on 8243 8231 or viaemail atlinda.mcintyre@novita.org.au .

like two peas ini10

n a pod...Good thingscomein small packages -and when thesetwins wereborn,theywereastiny astwo peasin apod!With these efforts, it looks like Joseph is a budding photographer... ∆11

like two peasIn 1998, expectant parents Lilyand Dean Ongarato received thebest news of their lives – they werehaving twins! But just a few monthslater, their world was turned upsidedown when a few days after aroutine 25-week ultrasound, Lilydiscovered her pregnancy wasn’tgoing as perfectly as she thought.‘This was in October, and mybabies weren’t due until January,’Lily says.‘So when I went into labor and thedoctor decided to do an emergencycaesarian, I went into shock. Iwasn’t ready, my bags weren’tpacked – it all felt like a bad dream.’That night Lily and Dean welcomedtwo tiny boys to their family, Josephand Francesco. Weighing justover one pound each (around 900grams), the doctors feared for thebabies’ lives and warned the newparents to prepare for the worst.‘We were beside ourselves for thatfirst 24 hours, then we found outthey’d be critical for at least anotherfortnight,’ Lily says.‘The hardest day of my life wasleaving the hospital after three dayswithout my babies.’For the rest of 1998, Lily and Deanfelt truly helpless as they watchedtheir tiny twins struggle to breatheon their own. Both boys werediagnosed with hernias just twoweeks into their short lives, andFrancesco also came down withmeningitis within the first month.‘But through all that uncertainty,there were some incredible, shiningmoments,’ Lily says.‘I can remember clearly the dayI held my babies for the first time– they were almost two weeks oldthen – and the day they first openedtheir eyes. And we were so proudwhen Francesco finally took his firstbreath on his own.‘Every milestone was a miracle tobe celebrated.’And celebrate they did, along withthe entire hospital, when the twinsmade their ‘100 day birthday’. Afew days later, 13 weeks after thebirth, Lily and Dean finally took theirbabies home for the first time.But life with two premature babieswasn’t smooth sailing. Francescowas readmitted to hospital just 24hours after coming home, then Lilyand Dean spent months shuttlingthe boys to countless doctorsand specialists for therapy anddevelopment checks.It was at one of these checks thatdoctors diagnosed 11-month-oldJoseph with Cerebral Palsy (CP).‘We didn’t know anything aboutCP then, so as soon as we met ourNovita therapists I started pumpingthem for information and doing lotsof my own research,’ Lily says.12To support Novita families like the Ongaratos, complete and return the

in a pod...‘Novita was a godsend in thosefirst weeks. They gave me videos,brochures and lots of reassuranceand advice, so CP didn’t seemquite as scary. I couldn’t havesurvived without them.’As the Ongaratos came to termswith this new challenge, Lily alsobecame worried about Francesco’sprogress. Within weeks of Joseph’sCP diagnosis, doctors had alsodiagnosed Francesco with Autism.‘That day felt like round three ofthe world’s longest boxing match,’Dean says.‘We’d been knocked out in roundone, flattened in round two, werejust getting to our feet, then bam– knocked out again!‘But there wasn’t time to sit aroundfeeling sorry or asking “why?”.There was a lot to be done for theboys and we just had to do it.’For the next four years, both Josephand Francesco received intensiveNovita therapy, while Lily and Deanrelied on advice, love and supportfrom their Novita ‘family’.‘Autism isn’t usually something thatcomes under the Novita banner, butthe therapists really wanted to keepthe boys together and it made mylife so much easier,’ Lily says.In the early days, Joseph’s doctorsfeared he may never walk. Butwith the help of a doting mum anddad, Novita therapists and his ownsteely determination, this tough littleboy has continued to prove thosedoctors wrong over and over again.‘Joseph took his very first stepsbefore he was two, and for us thatday was better than winning thelottery!’ Lily says.Now seven years old, Lily saysJoseph and Francesco are bright,beautiful boys who have never letCP or Autism stop them from livinglife to the absolute fullest.‘They love going to school, toswimming lessons, to kindergymand on holidays. We know howlucky we are to have them, so we’redetermined to get out and enjoyevery day and every experience asa family.’While Joseph is still a Novitaclient, Francesco now receives hisservices through Autism SA and Lilyis confident they are both gettingthe best treatment possible to helpthem reach their full potential.‘They have all the love in the worldfrom us, and so much support fromtheir doctors and especially theNovita therapists,’ she says‘They had a tough start, but I knowin my heart that my gorgeous boyshave a very bright future ahead ofthem.’enclosed envelope, call 1300 668 482 or visit www.novita.org.au/donate13

Putting the funin fundraisingDown Every Street 2006 successSamantha Inge - face of the 2006 DownEvery Street Easter AppealNovita’s 2006 Down Every StreetEaster Appeal kicked off onFriday 24 March, with volunteercollectors positioned in keylocations around the CBD.Channel 7 news presenter and Novitaambassador John Riddell then leadan enthusiastic team in a lunch timeblitz under the Gawler Place Canopy,handing out balloons and filming anews story about the appeal. Aftershaking their tins for just over an hour,the team collected an impressivemountain of gold coins – and RundleMall was filled with bright yellowNovita balloons!For the following fortnight, morethan 50 Novita auxiliary groupsand volunteers worked hard raisingmoney for the appeal, holdingsausage sizzles, morning teas,knocking on doors and ‘rattling thecans’ right across South Australia.Donations are still coming in andwhile totals haven’t been announced,it’s expected that the appeal raisedthousands of dollars for Novita’sfamilies.Our sincere thanks go out to eachand every one of our wonderfulvolunteers and supporters, whoseongoing commitment and generosityallows Novita to provide life changingsupport to more than 1000 childrenevery year.Mexican madness at Le Cordon BleuLe Cordon Bleu students with NovitaDirector of Marketing, Matthew Magarey(top) and in costume as ‘merry mexicans’In May, a class of Le CordonBleu students from the RegencyInternational Centre at RegencyPark cooked up a storm to helpraise money for Novita.Twice a year, the class holds a specialthemed lunch to test their cookingtalents and practise some of theirnewly-learned business managementskills. The May event had a Mexicantheme, with the students sportingmagnificent moustaches and hugesombreros as they served up mouthwateringMexican munchies likeburritos and nachos.The food was delicious, the lunchwas a huge success and the studentswere thrilled to visit Novita’s RegencyPark Centre just over a week laterto present Director of Marketing,Matthew Magarey with a cheque foralmost $800.A huge thanks go out to all thestudents for their generous support– they’ve definitely earned a siesta!14

Global knowledgehelps local kidsNovita Chief Executive Glenn Rappensbergwith Dr Gillian KingAn international expert inchildren’s disability research hasshared her years of experienceand knowledge with around 100lucky Novita staff members.Dr Gillian King, Research Director atCanada’s Thames Valley Children’sCenter, spent two days at Novita,leading a series of discussions onthe issues faced by children withdisabilities.Dr King has published more than 80papers in high impact journals fromacross the globe. She was incrediblyimpressed with South Australia’sapproach to providing services forchildren with disabilities – and withthe amazing team at Novita.‘I feel so comfortable here becausethere are huge commonalitiesbetween the Canadian and SouthAustralian approaches, the mostimportant of which is that we sharethe same vision to improve the qualityof life for children with disabilities,’she says.‘The staff at Novita are particularlyimpressive. They are incrediblycommitted to the children, and areopen and willing to embrace newinformation that could really make adifference.’Fore! Robyn Chaplin Memorial Golf DayThe winning Goldsborough 1 team (l-r):Rod Marsh, Glenn Todman, Rod Robert andGraham BaehnischThe Novita Sports ChallengeFoundation held their annualfundraising Golf Day on Monday20 March at the prestigiousKooyonga Golf Club.Thirty-two teams of four took to thegreens to vie for the prestigiousRobyn Chaplin Memorial Trophy,which was eventually taken out bythe Goldsborough 1 team (made upof Novita supporters Glenn Todman,Rod Marsh, Rod Robert and GrahamBaehnisch).At the end of the day, the 130-plusplayers were treated to a sumptuousdinner in the clubrooms, plus all theexcitement of a sporting memorabiliaauction and a special presentationby Aussie cricket legend Rod Marsh.The event raised more than $13,000for Novita – bringing the SportsChallenge Foundation’s fundraisingtotal to an amazing $1.5 million!Thanks to event sponsors ColesSupermarkets, Schweppes, Qantas,Kooyonga and Vili’s for theirgenerous support – and a hugethanks to the entire Sports ChallengeFoundation for their tireless work tosupport Novita’s families.15

Sports ChallengeThere’s no ‘I’ in teamSports Challenge CommitteeRussell Ebert (Chairman)Geoff RanebergBarrie RobranJohn RiddellRon GreenSandra HutchinsonJohn IngeRobbi TimsSam LeakerPeter MarkerKatrina WebbSince the early 1990s, thededication and commitmentof Novita’s Sports ChallengeFoundation has proved over andagain that there really is no ‘I’ inteam.For 15 years, this passionate teamof sport-and-media oriented SouthAustralians has worked tirelessly toraise money for Novita’s clients andtheir families. And in the wake ofreaching an incredible $1.5 millionfundraising milestone in May, thisgroup and its fantastic events are stillkicking huge goals for Novita.‘We take our motto from WinstonChurchill’s quote that “we make aliving by what we get, but a life bywhat we give”,’ Russell says.‘For members of this committee andthe guests who attend our functions,it really is a win-win situation.‘Not only do we have the chanceto work with old friends and be partof these incredible events, we alsoknow that every hour we’re puttingin supports the work of Novita, andmakes a world of difference to morethan 1000 local kids.’Two of the Sports Challenge foundingmembers, Barrie Robran and Russell EbertThe Sports Challenge fundraisingmarathon began in the early 1990s,when two Novita staff membersworked with SA sporting personalitiesto raise funds to buy a much neededmodified bus for Novita clients.The partnership was so successfulthat these personalities joinedforces to form the Sports ChallengeFoundation – and the rest, as theysay, is history!Annual Sports Challenge events likethe Crows/Port Power ShowdownDinner and celebrity match and theSports Challenge Golf Day havenow become must-attend events onAdelaide’s social calendar, each yearraising thousands of dollars to helpprovide Novita clients with muchneededequipment and support.Founding member and SportsChallenge Chairman Russell Ebertsays being part of the committee is agreat way for the members to ‘give alittle bit back’ to the South Australiancommunity.The Sports Challenge committeetoday consists of 11 past and presentsporting and media celebritiesand business people, all of whomare passionate Novita supporters.The newest member, three-timeParalympian and CommonwealthSilver Medalist Katrina Webb, alsohas a very personal connection withNovita, since being diagnosed with amild form of Cerebral Palsy in 1995.Russell says the motivation tocontinue the committee’s great workcomes from seeing the happy smileson the faces of Novita’s children.‘Our most precious asset is ourchildren, and seeing first-hand howour work is making life-changingdifferences to these kids inspires usall to keep going.‘The Sports Challenge Foundationwill continue its work for Novita foras long as the kids and their familiesneed us.’16

It’s not if you winit’s how you play the game...On Friday 5 May, almost 400sports stars, media personalitiesand South Aussie businesspeopleshowed their support for Novitaand partied the night away atthe annual Sports ChallengeFoundation Showdown Dinner.night, entertained by the effervescenttalents of Patrick McMahon.Final fundraising totals for the dinnerhave not yet been confirmed, butthe auction alone raised more than$50,000 for Novita’s families.Katrina Webb showcases some of thestunning jewellery from pureENVYNovita President Liz Robinson and JamesRobinson peruse auction itemsGraham Cornes (left) and Russell Ebertpresent Mitchell Harris, representing PhilHoffman Travel, with his guernseyThe gala event, sponsored bySpecial thanks to AMP, Pizza Haven,Ellis Insurance Brokers, is heldthe Highlander Hotel, Cope Sensitiveeach year at AAMI Stadium’s ParkFreight, Vili’s, the Glenelg JettyConvention Centre as a lead-in toHotel, U-Store-It, Bidvest, Romeo’sthe annual Legends ShowdownFoodland, Stratco, McCrackenMatch – a special charity footy match Homes, Barnacle Bills, Morcorella,held before the ‘real’ showdown the Mondello Farms, Australian Airfollowing day.Express, Air Diffusion Agencies,Phil Hoffman Travel, Sammy’sGuests at this year’s dinner mingled on the Marina and Coles/BiLowith local sporting and mediaSupermarkets, who generouslylegends like KG Cunningham,sponsored players, umpires andJohn Letts, Peter Marker and John balls in the following day’s LegendsRiddell and had the chance to bidShowdown Match. This year, pastfor exclusive sporting memorabilia, champions like Russell Ebert, thewith all money raised helping provide Jarman brothers and Graham Cornesequipment for Novita clients.once again donned their Crows andPower guernseys to take part in theAn extra special guest at thisannual charity match.year’s dinner was Scott Anthony ofpureENVY Jewellery, who createddedication tothe causea magnificent gold, pearl anddiamond neck piece that wasauctioned on the night. The piecewas proudly modelled by SportsChallenge committee memberand Commonwealth Games silvermedallist Katrina Webb – and wasthen auctioned for more than $4000!Congratulations and thanks to thewonderful members of Novita’sSports Challenge Committee fortheir dedication to the cause, andfor once again organising this highlysuccessful and truly memorableevent.Graham Cornes presents Jarrod Strattonfrom Stratco with his guernseyAfter the excitement of the auctions,the guests celebrated well into the17

As good as it looksAustralian Masters of FashionIn 2006, Novita Children’sServices is again proud to hostthe Australian Masters of Fashion.Held over two nights, Thursday 7September and Friday 8 September,this exciting fashion extravaganzagives South Australia’s ‘fashionistas’the chance to view a truly spectacularshowcase of traditional andcontemporary garments created bysome of the nation’s finest new andestablished designers.indulge in tantalizing food and wine atthis award-winning Adelaide venue.Plus all proceeds from theseincredible evenings will help Novita’sown little stars!Where? The Tapestry PavillionAllan Scott ParkMorphetvilleWhen? Thursday 7 September andFriday 8 September 2006Time? 7pm onwardsA selection of gowns from the 2005Australian Masters of FashionNot only a night for the fashionenthused, this event is an amazingopportunity to be part of the glitzycatwalk scene, enjoy some ofAdelaide’s finest entertainment andFor tickets and further details, contactMegan Hammond, Novita EventsCoordinator on 8243 8225 or viaemail atmegan.hammond@novita.org.au .Running for a reason - City to Bay fun runGet fit and have fun for a goodcause in the 2006 Sunday MailCity to Bay Fun Run.The City to Bay will be held onSunday 17 September and by joiningthe Novita Coles/BiLo City to BayFun Run Team, you’ll be helping raisemoney for Novita’s families. Novitateam members collect donationsbefore the event and along the way– and when they reach the end, theyare rewarded with a free BBQ lunchat the finish line.Whether you’re walking, running or‘wheeling’ the distance, everyone iswelcome to take part in the action.Choose from the 12km, 6km or 3kmcourses and either walk at a leisurelypace or challenge your team-matesto complete the run in record time!For entry forms and further detailscontact contact Megan Hammond,Novita Events Coordinator on8243 8225 or via email atmegan.hammond@novita.org.au .18

Coming up roseslunch in a spring rose gardenPicture this – good friends, finefood, award-winning wine andspectacular entertainment as yousit among one of Adelaide’s mostspectacular rose gardens. Feelingtempted? Then book your seat atNovita’s 2006 Carrick Hill Lunchin a Spring Rose Garden.This year’s event will be held onFriday 18 October and promises tobe more glamorous than ever, withan elegant flower theme, sumptuousfood and a truly amazing guestspeaker (stay tuned for a specialannouncement soon!).Guests are also welcome to strollaround the grounds of Carrick HillEstate and enjoy the magnificentroses and citrus orchards that makeup this spectacular spring garden.Where? Carrick Hill EstateWhen? 18 October 2006Time? 12 noon onwardsFor tickets and further details, contactTracey Taylor, Novita FundraisingManager on 8243 8226 or via email attracey.taylor@novita.org.au .It’s not just about the horses...Novita Children’s ServicesMelbourne Cup LunchTuesday 7 November 2006The Park Convention CentreAAMI StadiumAll proceeds support SouthAustralian children with disabilitiesPut it in your diary.More details soon...19

To donate call 1300 668 482or visit www.novita.org.au/donateNovita Children’s ServicesPO Box 2438 Regency Park SA 5942171 Days RoadRegency Park SA 5010T 08 8243 8243F 08 8243 8238ABN 47 993 053 341