Inspired by a recent talk on vulnerable young people by Professor Susan Sawyer, the Centre for Adolescent Health was delighted to be the recipient of a highly successful fund raising that was hosted by Karl Kutner from Central Equity on October 3, 2011 at Crown, attended by around 100 people.

The event was MC’d by Luke Ryan who has turned his experiences of cancer as an adolescent and young man into a comedy festival show (Luke’s Got Cancer) which saw us laughing out loud at cancer jokes…

Professor Susan Sawyer, Director of the Centre for Adolescent Health, then spoke of the Centre’s clinical work with vulnerable young people with the goal of highlighting the complex interplay between social disadvantage and risk behaviours. She graphically described the devastating impact that this can have on young people’s current health and future life chances.

Professor Sawyer’s words were echoed by Brittani, a young woman who gave a highly compelling account of her downward spiral into drugs and crime, and an equally warm and engaging account of her steps towards recovery, supported by the Adolescent Forensic Health Service, a program of the Centre for Adolescent Health.

It was then down to the business of raising money. With hammer in hand, auctioneer Rodney Morley, Managing Director, Woodards, drew on a highly receptive audience to successfully auction 14 generously donated items.

Thanks to Karl Kutner and the sponsors of the event, a substantial sum was raised in support of the Centre’s work with socially marginalized and homeless young people.

Chairman of the Centre’s Development Board, Miriam Weisz, concluded the evening by presenting Karl with a certificate of appreciation and the announcement that he had accepted an offer from the Board of becoming an Ambassador for the Centre for Adolescent Health.

                                                                                                                 Karl and Amanda Kutner