“It’s all about the style, the music, and having fun,” said Emma Spick, founder and organiser of DecAid For Starlight.
While the goal of the evening is just that, there’s a lot more to DecAid For Starlight. From the ambitious goal of using the event to raise $200,000 for Starlight Children’s Foundation to the origin story of how it all started, here’s why you should get your friends together, style your best 50s outfit, and find your way to this un-black-tie charity event.
How it all started
As with many things in life, it all started with a dinner table conversation.
That conversation started between Emma Spick and her dad, who had always been quite involved with Starlight Children’s Foundation. The topic — how do we start a fun event that can be added to Starlight’s fundraising calendar and make an impact on the children and families that Starlight helps every day of the year?
As it turns out, it was the perfect pairing. Spick has a long background in running events, stemming from successfully running an event hire company, M Event Hire, and her dad has an extensive network to put it all together. From there, it was a mere conversation around planning, the logistical details to pull it all off, and of course, the name and event theme.
The theme and concept was to party through the decades. Taking inspiration from Live Aid, Decade became DecAid and after two years of conversations and planning, DecAid For Starlight was born.
2019’s inaugural event
The first event was held in 2019 at The Naval Store in Fremantle with the 80s as the chosen decade. This outrageous 80s-themed party saw 200 people unleashing their inner Madonna and MJ to raise $77,000 for Starlight. A pretty epic outcome for an inaugural event.
Two years later, they followed up with a 60s, Woodstock-style soiree at the same venue. The combination of Woodstock — one of the most well-known festivals of all time — and the end of COVID restrictions and lockdowns saw the event become a massive hit. It was a sell-out, with 400 people attending and raising a whopping $130,000 with all proceeds going to Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Taking you back to the fifties
This year’s event takes you back to the 50s, the era of rock ‘n’ roll, iconic fashion, and, of course, the movie Greace.
On why the 50s was chosen as the theme, Spick commented: “I’ve noticed the 50s style is making a comeback, and we chose it because Sandy [Olivia Newton-John] recently passed and its a tribute to her and Greace — one of my favourite movies! But, I also just thought it would be a cool surprise to go down that route of diner style and groovy rock and roll.”
This year’s event will see a few entertainment surprises in store for those who attend to get the party started right away. Spick was very hush-lipped about divulging what those surprises were so we’ll just have to wait for the night to see them.
What she could tell us was to expect some amazing 50s American-themed diner food with a fancy twist by one of Perth’s top caterers, Mi Scusi, coupled with delicious wines from local down south wineries. There’ll be a live band — Jack Royale and the Hotshot Playboys — known for being the best in Perth for 50s live music, and after they’ve finished, DJ Yon Jovi will be on the decks, keeping the party going and the dancefloor grooving.
Between the partying, there’ll be some opportunities to learn more about Starlight and raise money for the cause with an Indigenous artist also doing a live canvas painting to be auctioned off.
“One of our main goals on the night is really getting the message across of what Starlight does. It’s not all about granting wishes to Disney World. Most people don’t realise that there are dedicated Starlight rooms in our children’s hospitals, where seriously ill children can spend their entire lives. It’s in these rooms that their siblings visit, have some fun, and bond with them, amidst the backdrop of hospital beds,” commented Spick.
How you can help DecAid For Starlight?
This year’s DecAid For Starlight has the goal of raising $200,000.
Most of that money is raised through corporate partnerships and sponsorships. Corporates and businesses can buy a Starlight Wish or sponsor the event and grant a wish and get 10 tickets to the event. You can help by encouraging your workplace to get involved.
You can also get your friends and family together and go along to the event next month.
When is it?
Date: Saturday, September 16th
Time: 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Location: The Naval Store, Fremantle
Tickets are available here and are $160 each, including food and beverages.
If you can’t attend but still want to help, you can make a donation here.
