The Country Education Foundation’s Friends event is one of the organisation’s fundraising highlights each year and we hope you will be able to join us from 6pm on Wednesday 15^th May at Chiswick at the Gallery, at the Art Gallery of NSW.

Once again, the event will include complimentary tickets to the Archibald Prize exhibition, entry valid for any day during the exhibition period. This year, we will also offer you the opportunity to secure exclusive, behind the scenes tickets to the upcoming Sydney Theatre Company production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, featuring Hugo Weaving. This special evening is organised and hosted by our Alumni Ambassador, Chris Mercer.

As a friend of Country Education Foundation (CEF), you will appreciate only too well the privileges of living in a city like Sydney and the benefits that city convenience and services afford us. This is in strong contrast to the challenges facing many regional and rural school leavers who might not consider further education or training due to the challenges of distance, financial considerations and the pressures of transitioning to university or TAFE from smaller regional communities.

The proceeds from our Art, Cocktails & Friends event will help our 43 local volunteer committees across Australia to continue to provide small grants that have huge impact. Last year CEF offered 496 grants totalling nearly $1.2 million to help young Australians achieve their goals.

CEF receives no government funding. We rely on vital support from our partners and donors, like you, to continue this valuable work. Our friends in Sydney have always been a special part of the success of our organisation and the impact we collectively have on young lives. We hope that you can see your way clear to joining us for cocktails and to view the Archibald exhibition, or supporting by way of donation and continue your generous association with CEF.

Tickets are $200pp and are strictly limited so don’t delay!