Our gala in Sydney at the end of September could not have been more special or successful – or HUGE! With an incredible venue, The State Theatre, packed to the rafters with over 1,100 supporters in the audience, it was the most wonderful evening of sensational comedy benefitting our bears in China and Vietnam.

Our own Kristie Wilkinson, ably assisted by Anne Lloyd-Jones and Jude Siekmann, superbly organised the evening, with every detail covered for the most excellent example of how a comedy night should be run.
Superb MC Clint Paddison professionally and hilariously steered the event from one artist to the next and saw everyone being thoroughly entertained throughout the night.

It was fantastic to also welcome our long-time friend and sponsor of Manuka bear in China, Arj Barker to the stage and to be able to thank him publicly for encouraging no less than 14 of his very brilliant artist friends to help us out. Arj, I hope the roads are repaired the next time you come back! :-)

The evening began with a cocktail party for some of our special supporters, who were thrilled to be greeted and entertained by our ambassadors Katrina Warren and Peter Northcote.

The acts that followed were side splittingly good – just the best (and worst) of both light and wicked humour that saw the audience helpless in the aisles. I couldn't stop pinching myself at the size of the attendance or the skill of the acts, and every dollar going to the bears.

Just a fantastic, indescribable event that made everyone smile for the humour and for the selfless spirit from all who entertained and attended. 

With thanks to Suzie Marsh, Richard Symonds and Blaze Warrender we had some beautiful silent auction items for people to buy, and with special thanks too, to Craig Bromley, Annika Everaardt and Quentin Wilkinson for helping us at the merchandise stall and in setting up and dismantling after the night.

Also thanks to A-List Entertainment and Token for supplying the talent, CMG Audio Visual for putting together a world class stage for our acts and The Proverbials, Gareth Brearley and Paul Hampson for the fun and fabulous artwork which took centre stage throughout the night.

So hoping we can do this again – thank you Australia for taking the bears into your heart and dipping deep into your pockets to help them. xxx