DSC Interact Club

Our Club's First Fundraiser

A Sweet Success

Earlier this month, our school's Interact Club kicked off its first-ever fundraiser with a cupcake sale that exceeded all expectations! The event, held right outside the Wellbeing Hub during recess, aimed to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald Foundation, and it was a resounding success.

With a variety of delicious homemade cupcakes on offer—ranging from classic vanilla to more adventurous flavours like caramel and jam—students and staff alike were eager to indulge in a sweet treat for a good cause. The sale was not only a chance for everyone to satisfy their sweet tooth but also an opportunity to support the club's mission of making a positive impact in our community.

The cupcakes, beautifully decorated, were donated by the year 8’s Food Technology classes led by Ms Cipolato. Thanks to the overwhelming support from the school community, we were able to sell out within an hour, raising about $180. This amount will go directly toward to the charitable organisation that we have chosen to support this year.

The success of this fundraiser has energised our club and given us a strong start in bringing to its formal glory before the quarantine of COVID 19. We’re excited to continue our efforts and make a difference in our community. 

Thank you to everyone who supported our first event—we couldn’t have done it without you!

Eleanna Sklavenitis, Year 11

President of Interact Club

RMHC Ball

One of our Interact Club members recently attended a gala for the Ronald McDonald House Charity and has written an inspiring article for the Manningham Life magazine. They would like to share this article with our school community. 

If you would like to get involved with our DSC Interact Club, please reach out to Eleanna Sklavenitis of Year 11.

Thanks to the generous invitation extended by businessman and Rotary member David Rosenwax, I had the distinct honor of attending the annual Ronald McDonald House Charity Ball (RMHC). This year’s event took place at the opulent Palladium Ballroom at Crown, a setting that perfectly encapsulated the evening’s blend of sophistication, entertainment, and, above all, generosity.

 

RMHC has, for over three decades, provided no-cost housing to families with critically ill children, offering a sanctuary during some of their most challenging times. The evening was a resounding success, raising an impressive $750,000 to support this vital cause. 

 

Through David's generosity, on behalf of my school’s Interact Club, I had the privilege of contributing $1,600 — funding ten nights of accommodation for families in need. The event was a testament to the incredible support RMHC receives from its sponsors and community. 

 

The evening began with a sumptuous three-course meal, setting the stage for what was to come. Our host, the ever-gracious Rebecca Maddern, kept the evening lively and engaging, while Australian singer-songwriter Paulini captivated the audience with her extraordinary talent. 

 

The generosity of the evening’s sponsors was on full display, with remarkable prizes and awards being presented throughout the night. Zagame Automotive, the platinum sponsor, generously donated a car for the raffle, a prize that exemplified the evening’s spirit of giving. 

 

The night also featured a poignant moment when a mother and her son shared their heartfelt story, highlighting the profound impact of RMHC’s work. 

 

The highlight of the evening came with a dazzling performance by the band Furnace and the Fundamentals. Their show was not only a vocal masterpiece but also a visual spectacle, energizing the crowd and bringing everyone to their feet. 

 

Our new Doncaster Secondary Interact Club stems from the Manningham Rotary Club, where we are guided by member David Rosenwax to be involved in community and international outreach. We complete fundraising and create positive impacts in our local and school communities. Currently, our club is based around our school with just under 50 members that collaborate together to lead and carry-out volunteer work to benefit communities. A few examples of our social involvements include philanthropy work, creating packaged meals for the less privileged, and hosting bake sales for funds to go toward the RMHC. 

 

All of our fundraisers this year will be donated to the RMHC. We plan to grow and expand our initiatives with greater involvement within the school and outside community, while continuing to make a meaningful impact through our volunteer work and fundraising efforts.

 

The RMHC Charity Ball was more than just an event; it was a celebration of compassion, community, and the enduring spirit of generosity. My deepest thanks go to David Rosenwax and the Manningham Rotary Club for their unwavering commitment to connecting Doncaster Secondary College and other schools with the Interact Club. Through these partnerships, students are empowered to make meaningful contributions to their communities, fostering a lifelong commitment to service.