The Orange Ball 2026 Raises More Than $18,700 for Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation

On Saturday evening, Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation was honoured to be one of three beneficiary charities at The Orange Ball 2026, alongside Transplant Australia and Tandem Cycling Network. 

Guests were welcomed into a spectacular Movie World transformed for the occasion, with the precinct illuminated in orange and roving Movie World characters creating a vibrant atmosphere from the moment they arrived. Following the opening festivities, guests made their way down Main Street into the main event arena, where the evening began with a memorable entrance as IBFF Youth Ambassador Elise Bell arrived on the back of a Harley-Davidson, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. 

The celebration continued with outstanding live entertainment, exciting raffles and auctions, delicious food, and countless opportunities to connect with fellow supporters. The Retro Band kept the dance floor buzzing well into the night, ensuring the celebrations ended with everyone singing along and dancing together. 

Alongside Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation, the evening also supported Transplant Australia, which provides advocacy and support for transplant recipients while promoting organ donation awareness, and Tandem Cycling Network, which empowers people with vision impairment to experience the freedom of cycling through volunteer pilots and inclusive community programs. 

A defining moment of the evening came during Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation’s presentation. Guests watched our impact video before hearing from Founder & CEO John Godwin and IBFF Youth Ambassador Elise Bell. Together, they shared the Foundation’s vision and the powerful impact mentoring can have on a young person’s life. Elise’s heartfelt story of resilience, hope and transformation resonated deeply with the audience, generating meaningful conversations and reinforcing the importance of ensuring every young person has someone who believes in them. 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone who attended, donated, bid in the auctions and supported the event, $18,719 was raised for Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation. Every dollar raised will make a lasting difference, funding two eight-week Onwards & Upwards mentoring programs and giving 20 young people the opportunity to connect with a trusted mentor, develop valuable life skills, build confidence and believe in a brighter future. 

A special thank you goes to Mick Robinson, The Orange Ball Committee and The Pride of Bettermen & Lionesses for their vision, generosity and unwavering commitment to strengthening our community. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a professionally run and inspiring event. 

Following the success of this year’s event, we are honoured to have already been invited back as the first confirmed beneficiary for The Orange Ball 2027, and we look forward to continuing this wonderful partnership. 

To everyone who purchased a ticket, donated a prize, bid in an auction, bought raffle tickets or simply joined us on the night, thank you. Your generosity is helping more young people believe in themselves, find a sense of belonging and build brighter futures. 

Relive the highlights of an unforgettable evening by browsing our photo gallery below.

📸 View the Orange Ball 2026 Photo Gallery