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The highly anticipated LLL Celebration Dinner took place on Friday, 10 November, at the picturesque Sanctuary function centre within Adelaide Zoo, bringing together the LLL Board, staff, special guests, and friends.
The gala event was held to celebrate the many missional outreach activities that LLL supports and farewell retiring Board members, including former Chair Graeme Huf.
Just over 140 guests spent a wonderful evening listening to stories about LLL's achievements under Graeme's 19-year stewardship as Chair and walked away excited about the future after an inspirational speech by new Chair Steven Podlich.
The celebration, and expression of gratitude for LLL's centenary, were fittingly acknowledged during the evening.
Graeme was joined onstage by the 2023 retired Board members Ron Asquith and Andrew Leslie, along with Nancy Fox and Tanya Crooks, who retired from the Board in 2022, to reminisce about their time with LLL.
"This celebration is not just about me, it's really about what God has been able to do through each and every one of us," Graeme said in his farewell speech to the gathering.
"Our LLL journey can be, and has been, challenging but it is also rewarding.
"And I can personally see God's guiding hand in this journey that we've been on together.
"For me, life is about relationships; the relationship with our Lord, relationships with our families and friends, but also relationships with colleagues and those that He has entrusted to work with us and the communities that he has placed us in.
"I really want to encourage you to cherish and value those around you.
"Thank you for joining with me in this celebration and for the honour you have given to me in my service."
Steven led the gathering in thanking Graeme for his passionate service and astute leadership through challenging times and expressed his utmost confidence in LLL's future.
"It doesn't mean there won't be challenging days ahead, there will be, but what I do know is that if we all work together, support one another and our customers, we will be successful," Steven said.
"The work we have already put in, particularly in recent years, puts LLL in a wonderful position.
"One of the things I'm most proud of is the continuation of the supportive and inclusive LLL culture that has permeated through our business since its inception.
"LLL has, and continues to be, blessed immeasurably."
Photos (below): LLL staff, special guests and friends gathered for a wonderful evening of celebration.
