The Jenny Souris Foundation (JSF) will bring together supporters, families and the wider community for its Annual Gala 2026, an evening dedicated to continuing Jenny Souris’ legacy of kindness, compassion and helping families facing extraordinary hardship.
The Gala will be held on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, from 6:30pm to 11:00pm at Le Montage, Lilyfield, Sydney.
This year’s Gala will support four-year-old Rick, who lives with infantile Tay-Sachs disease, an ultra-rare, progressive neurological condition affecting his movement, swallowing, communication and essential bodily functions.
Rick was diagnosed shortly after his first birthday after he began losing abilities he had already developed. He is non-verbal, has lost his vision and hearing, and now requires specialised assistance with feeding, mobility, respiratory care and secretion management around the clock. His mother, Vanessa, is his full-time caregiver and advocate.
There is currently no cure for Tay-Sachs and no disease-modifying treatment available to Rick in Australia. After learning about REAC neuromodulation treatment in Italy, Vanessa travelled overseas with Rick for treatment. Following two cycles, Vanessa reported meaningful changes including settled seizures, improved posture and movement, improved swallowing, reduced suctioning, better sleep and greater comfort.
Continuing this treatment requires repeated international travel, accommodation and specialised support. Support raised through the Jenny Souris Foundation will help Rick continue accessing overseas therapies and treatments aimed at improving his comfort, abilities and quality of life, while also helping Vanessa provide him with a safer and more suitable home environment.
| “Jenny’s legacy has always been about standing beside families when they need it most. This year, we are honoured to stand beside Vanessa and Rick, and we hope the Gala brings our community together to give them meaningful support, comfort and hope for the road ahead.”
— Souris family |
| “The Foundation’s generosity means far more than financial assistance. It means access to possibilities that might otherwise remain beyond our reach. It means treatment, comfort, dignity and hope. Most of all, it means the immeasurable gift of more precious time together and the hope that my beautiful boy may live longer.”
— Vanessa, Rick’s mother |
The Jenny Souris Foundation was established in honour of the late Jenny Souris and continues her legacy of compassion by supporting families facing serious illness, disability and extraordinary hardship.
The Gala will feature dinner, drinks, entertainment, fundraising activities and special guests. Funds raised will support Rick and his family while helping the Foundation continue its broader mission of standing beside families during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.
Tickets are $320 per person or $3,000 for a table of 10, with payment available online or by invoice. The dress code is Black Tie.