Community rallies behind A Night for Frankie May, raising $118,250 for Albury Wodonga Health
Monday, 15 September 2025 / Albury Wodonga Health
Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) will soon be equipped with a world-class neonatal training tool thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Border community, who smashed the fundraising target to raise $118,250 at a special gala - ‘A Night for Frankie May’.
Held on Saturday 13 September and sponsored by the SSA Club Albury, the gala fundraiser brought together 300 guests for an evening of remembrance, generosity, and purpose. The event was delivered in partnership with the Albury Wodonga Health Foundation and in honour of Frankie May Maroney, the cherished daughter of Bree Sinclair and Sam Maroney, who lived a remarkable 137 days after being born at just 23+5 weeks.
In her memory, Frankie’s parents Bree and Sam set out to transform their heartbreak into hope, and this event brought that vision to life.
The incredible fundraising success was driven by spirited auctions and raffles led by local auctioneer Jack Stean, with guests bidding generously on prizes donated by businesses and community members across the region.
The funds raised will be used to purchase a $65,000 SimNewB Neonatal Simulator - giving AWH doctors and nurses the ability to safely practise life-saving procedures such as resuscitation, IV access, airway management, and emergency response.
AFL great Gary Ablett Jr joined the evening as a special guest, sharing his personal journey of resilience and fatherhood, while MC Liam Scammell guided the night’s proceedings with warmth and energy.
We were completely overwhelmed by the love and support in the room. To see so many people come together in Frankie’s name was deeply moving. Every dollar raised is a step toward giving premature babies the best chance at life, and that means everything to us,” said Bree Sinclair, Frankie’s mother.
“We’re absolutely thrilled with the outcome of the gala. These funds will go directly into training and empowering our staff with world-class tools, ensuring they’re equipped to deliver the highest level of care to our tiniest patients, right here in our region,” said AWH CEO Bill Appleby.
“We thank everyone who donated, attended, or supported in any way - whether you booked a table, placed a bid, bought a raffle ticket, donated a prize, or shared Frankie’s story, please know that you’ve played an important role in bringing this vision to life”, he continued.
The fundraising effort does not end here, with the Frankie May campaign continuing to support neonatal care at AWH. Community members can still:
💜 Donate directly http://bit.ly/3Ico5Tu
💜 Spread the word by sharing Frankie May’s story and inspiring others to give
“The Frankie May Gala was more than just an event - it showed the power of our community to create lasting impact for our littlest patients and their families,” Mr Appleby said.