IN SUPPORT OF HOWARD WILLIAMS
The Legends Gala
Wed 3 March 2027 7pm – 11pm Olympic Room, Melbourne Cricket Ground
Every community has its legends: the people who show up, lift others and leave their mark without ever asking for recognition. Howard is one of ours.
Just after retiring, Howard suffered a life-changing injury. After a lifetime of being there for others, it's our turn to be there for him.
Join us at the home of Australian sporting legends, where for one night the room will be full of them: the family, friends, colleagues and teammates who make up Howard's story. Enjoy a three-course dinner, entertainment, great company and a night of raising important funds, all in Howard's honour.
Every dollar raised will go directly towards the medical care and support Howard needs for the road ahead.
Come for the night and be part of a legend's team.
Howard's Story
Howard Williams is a Melbourne husband and father who worked for more than 40 years in the insurance industry. In May 2025, just 16 days after his 65th birthday, he and his wife Lorraine were enjoying a holiday cruise in Japan.
On their final day in the port city of Hakodate, Howard lost his balance on a narrow, crowded bridge. The railing was only 53 centimetres high. He fell three metres onto concrete, fracturing three vertebrae in his neck, and was left a quadriplegic.
After surgery in Japan, Howard was flown home to Melbourne and spent months in rehabilitation at the Royal Talbot. He now needs 24-hour care.
Then came a second blow. Because his accident happened after he turned 65, Howard isn't eligible for the NDIS. His aged care funding covers about $73,000 a year. His care costs around $290,000. Outside a few hours of paid carers each day, his wife Lorraine is his only carer, and she wakes at 3am every day to turn him.
$73,000
AGED CARE FUNDING / YEAR
$290,000
ANNUAL COST OF CARE
"It's not right that a birth date determines the care you get."
— LORRAINE
The Legends Gala is our chance to help close that gap. Every dollar raised goes towards the care and support Howard needs to live at home with Lorraine.
Ticket Options
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the MCG. All tickets include a three-course dinner, beverage package, entertainment and fun. Places are limited, so book early.
TICKET
PRICE ( AUD )
INCLUDES
Individual
$295
One seat
Table of 10
$2750
Ten seats at a reserved table, table named in the program
Legends Table
$5000
Ten seats at a premium table, sparkling on arrival, name in the program and on the screen loop
Can't attend? You can still be part of Howard's team by making a donation through the ticketing page.
Sponsorship Options
Our partners make the night possible. By helping cover the cost of the evening, sponsors ensure every ticket, auction and donation dollar goes directly to Howard's medical care.
Major Partnerships
PARTNERSHIP
PRICE ( AUD , EX GST )
BENEFITS
Hall of Fame Partner
$20,000
Naming rights ("The Legends Gala presented by..."), premium table of 10, speaking slot or video, logo on all event materials and stage screens, MC acknowledgement throughout
Legend Partner
$10,000
Table of 10, logo on screen loop, program and website, MC acknowledgement, social media feature
Legends Table
$5,000
Table of 10, logo on screen loop and program, social media recognition
Teammate
$1,000
Name in the program and on screen; two tickets at the $1,000 level
Moment Partnerships
One sponsor per moment, exclusive.
MOMENT
PRICE ( AUD , EX GST )
Impact Match: matches the room's pledges dollar for dollar
$10,000-$25,000
Welcome Drinks
$7,000
Legends Auction Partner
$7,000
Entertainment and Dance Floor
$7,000
Ride Home Partner
$7,000
Legends Wall and Photographer
$7,000
In-kind Partners
Auction prizes, printing, styling, AV and photography are warmly welcomed. Recognition is matched to the retail value of the contribution.
Sponsorship commitments are due by Friday, 19 February 2027 to meet print deadlines. To discuss a partnership, contact Jessica Abbey at hello@leveragemsolutions.com.
On-the-Night Fundraising
All funds raised go directly to Howard's medical care and support.
The Legends Auction
Bid on money-can't-buy experiences, sporting memorabilia, getaways and more. Silent auction bidding opens on arrival and closes after main course, followed by a short live auction of our headline lots.
Legends Raffle
Tickets are available on arrival for the chance to win great prizes, drawn later in the evening.
Pick a Prize
Instant win. Every $50 ticket is a winner. Choose an envelope from the prize wall and take home your prize on the spot. Only 100 tickets available.
The 100 Club
Just 100 numbered spots at $100 each. Secure your number early; one lucky number is drawn on the night to win a major prize.
Champagne for the Table
Buy a bottle of champagne for your table to get the night off to a great start. Every bottle supports Howard.
Other Ways to Help
Can't make it on the night? There are plenty of ways to be part of Howard's team.
Donate
Every gift, big or small, goes directly to Howard's care.
Spread the Word
Share this page with your workplace, sporting clubs and networks.
Donate a Prize
We're looking for auction and raffle prizes: experiences, sporting memorabilia, getaways, hampers and more.
Become a Partner
Choose one of the sponsorship options above, or get in touch and we'll build a package that suits your business.
Know Before You Go
When and where
Wednesday 3 March 2027, 7pm to 11pm, in the Olympic Room at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Entry details will be sent with your tickets.
What's included
A three-course dinner, beverage package and entertainment, plus the auction, raffle and prize games throughout the night.
Dress code
Cocktail.
Getting there
The MCG is a short walk from Jolimont and Richmond stations, and trams run along Wellington Parade.
Parking
Parking is available at the MCG. If you're driving, please give us your car registration when you book so we can register your vehicle with the venue.
Dietary requirements
Let us know about any dietary requirements when you book, and we'll pass them on to the venue's kitchen.
Accessibility
If you or a guest have access needs, tell us when you book and we'll work with the venue to make sure you're looked after.
Can I choose who I sit with?
Yes. Book a table of 10 with your group, or tell us who you'd like to sit with and we'll do our best to seat you together.