A Heartfelt Beginning: Our Inaugural Fundraiser Plants Seeds of Hope

On Sunday, November 24, 2024, Bags for Earth and Science Inc (BESI) held its inaugural fundraising event, the Heart Tree Dedication Ceremony, at the Pullman Albert Park Hotel in Melbourne. The day marked a powerful moment for our grassroots charity — a celebration of love, loss, and purpose, stitched together in support of two critical causes: cancer research and environmental sustainability.

Honouring Lives. Funding Hope.

All funds raised from the event supported the Healthy Lifespan and Chronic Diseases Program at RMIT University’s School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, led by award-winning cancer researcher and Prix Galien recipient, Distinguished Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos, AM — who delivered a moving keynote address. Professor Catherine Itsiopoulos also spoke on the importance of holistic health and the impact of ongoing research at RMIT.

The Heart Tree Dedication Ceremony

At the heart of the event was the Heart Tree Dedication Ceremony — a moving tribute where guests dedicated paper hearts to loved ones affected by cancer. Each heart was lovingly inscribed by artist, author, and BESI founding committee member Betty Coracas, and added to a large Heart Tree artwork she created especially for the occasion.

The original Heart Tree was dedicated to Patrick Constantinou, Betty’s late nephew, who passed away from brain cancer. President Leo A. Eliades led a minute’s silence in honour of those lost, including his own father, Andrew Eliades.

Art, Auction & Purpose

The event also featured a charity auction with original artworks — including pieces by Indigenous artists and a contribution from legendary Australian cartoonist Michael Leunig — raising valuable funds for research. Eco-friendly tote bags featuring Betty Coracas' Mermaid illustration were also available for purchase, reminding attendees of BESI’s environmental mission.

Raffle prizes, gift hampers, and community generosity made the day one to remember.

Thank You

We’re deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable event. Together, we honoured those we’ve lost, stood with those still fighting, and raised vital funds for life-saving medical research — all while promoting a more sustainable future.