The Jenny Souris Foundation Gala returned on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, with heart and purpose, drawing around 300 guests for a moving night of generosity, reflection and community spirit in honour of Jenny Souris’ legacy and in support of this year’s recipient family.
Guests arrived to sunset cocktails and lively mingling at the media wall before taking their seats. Master of Ceremonies Tim Gilbert opened the evening with warmth and humour, setting the tone for a night of community and compassion.
“The family are beautiful, and we’re raising funds for people who really, really need it,” he said. His sincerity reflected the spirit of the event: to come together, celebrate generosity, and make a tangible difference for families in need.
In heartfelt remarks, Maria Souris reflected on the Foundation’s first recipient, Angelina, a young girl with a rare condition who sadly passed away earlier this year.
She reminded guests why the Foundation exists: “You don’t really know about illness until you’re faced with it. If you don’t fit into the classic box of breast cancer or lung cancer, you’re exempt from funding. You may not fall into a category that even has medication. That’s why we’re here tonight – for the people who fall through the cracks.”
Her words were followed by a moving moment of silence in Angelina’s memory, as the room paused to honour her life and the families who continue to inspire the Foundation’s mission.
A video tribute followed, celebrating Jenny Souris’ life – a devoted mother and grandmother, a pillar of the M&J Chickens family business, and a passionate Bulldogs supporter whose compassion inspired the Foundation’s creation in 2021.
Minas Souris welcomed guests and thanked the many volunteers, donors and partners who have carried Jenny’s vision forward. He extended a special welcome to Dominique and Aaron Pollard, parents of 10-year-old Tristan, this year’s recipient, acknowledging their courage and the community’s support.
Harry Souris spoke about the Foundation’s ongoing mission and the power of compassion, community and purpose coming together. He thanked major supporters including M&J Chickens, as well as partners Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and The Greek Herald.
Guests were then shown a touching video update from families previously supported by the Foundation – stories of mobility vans, treatment access and renewed hope that illustrated the real impact of community generosity. One mother even sent her message from New York City, where her son Jack, a recipient from 2024, was undergoing a groundbreaking new treatment for his condition – a journey made possible through the Foundation’s support.
As the evening continued, Sam Phylactou, CEO of M&J Chickens, took the stage to reflect on the Foundation’s impact and the human spirit that drives it.
He spoke about the importance of compassion in an increasingly artificial world, reminding guests that empathy, generosity and connection are what make us truly human. His words resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the values that sit at the heart of the Foundation’s mission.
The Bulldogs segment brought laughter and warmth as league greats James Graham and Hazem El Masri joined Gilbert on stage to share reflections on sport, community and giving back, earning cheers from fellow Bulldogs supporters in the room.
As dinner was served, magician Jackson Aces moved through the tables, dazzling guests with roving illusions and moments of surprise that lightened the mood before the keynote address.
In an emotional moment that silenced the room, Tristan’s mother, Dominique, took the stage to share her son’s courageous journey with a rare and aggressive cancer. Her words painted a raw and powerful picture of the challenges their family has faced – the sleepless nights, the relentless hospital visits, and the financial strain of treatments not covered by Medicare. Yet through it all, she said, they have been lifted by faith and the kindness of others.
“There is nothing that will stop us from helping our boy,” she told the crowd, her voice breaking with emotion. “We wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without you.”
Her story brought many in the audience to tears, a reminder of why the Foundation exists – to give families hope when the odds feel impossible.
Guests responded with generosity during the live and silent auctions, rallying behind the cause with heartfelt energy.
The 52-card diamond bangle draw, donated by Nader Fine Jewels, added sparkle and excitement to the night – a reminder that each contribution, large or small, carried a purpose beyond the prize.
The evening closed with music, photos and heartfelt farewells. As Gilbert thanked sponsors, supporters and volunteers, there was a shared sense that the Gala had once again achieved what it set out to do: honour Jenny’s legacy by turning compassion into action for families who need it most.
