On Saturday, 20 May 2023 our inaugural Kingsford for Kickstart event was held that saw nearly 200 guests attend Kingsford The Barossa to help raise funds for disadvantaged South Australian kids.

An incredible $400,000 was raised thanks to the support of our guests and sponsors: Ahrens, CMV Group, Bank SA, Leader Computers, Hallett Group, William Buck Foundation, Equity & Advisory, Eckermanns, Johnson’s, Energy Logistix, Coopers, Elderton, Shaw + Smith, Langmeil, Hentley Farm, Clarke Energy, Thomas Foods International, Farmview, Arkhe, Henschke, Bird In Hand and 23rd Street Distillery.

We are grateful for their generosity and support of our mission to empower young kids through education and to end the cycle of poverty. In addition to the cash raised, Brandon Reynolds from The Yoghurt Shop has committed to provide yoghurt to the value of $88,000 from July 1, which will be a great boost to our breakfast offering.

Our utmost gratitude goes to Stefan and Leanne Ahrens, who not only hosted the event at their world-class facility in the Barossa, but also donated an immensely generous $130,000.

As guests enjoyed Kingsford’s luxury catering and some magnificent wines, Kickstart’s founder Ian Steel talked through the importance of the Kickstart mission before Billie and Zandra took to the stage to talk about their heart-warming journeys thanks to Kickstart.

“I’m just really grateful for the growth and all the opportunities that I have had through Kickstart and the person that it has allowed me to become,” Zandra said.

Billie added, “[Ian] believed in not only me but Zandra and a lot of others when no one else did… He truly saved all of our lives.”

Kickstart are proud to serve 60,000 breakfasts and provide 10,000 sandwiches each week that would not be possible without the support received from foundation and event sponsors.

Kickstart would also like to thank ambassador and MC Rebecca Morse, the auctioneer on the day,  Bronte Manuel, plus Ellen Ahrens and our Chairman David Simmons who organised the event.