Hearts for Humanity - Gems of Giving: A Gala Night to End Modern Slavery

Join us for "Hearts for Humanity - Gems of Giving: A Gala Night to End Modern Slavery" a prestigious gala ball held in the heart of Sydney, aimed at raising funds to support the survivors of modern slavery in Australia. This unforgettable evening will bring together passionate individuals and organizations, united in their quest to end modern slavery and empower its survivors.

Throughout the night, attendees will be treated to a sumptuous meal, amazing live entertainment from Series of Events Australia  and the opportunity to participate in an exclusive charity auction. Most importantly, we will hear from distinguished speakers, who will share their insights, experiences, and strategies in combating modern slavery impacting approx. 41,000 people in Australia and the estimated 49 million across the globe.

Funds raised for the Freedom for Humanity Scholarship Program will help survivors of modern slavery in Australia towards their final steps of recovery, through education and training, giving them the independence and freedom most of us take for granted!  The scholarship program will support selected applicants who are survivors of modern slavery referred by organisations that support them, like The Salvation Army's Safe House program. 

By attending you will not only enjoy an unforgettable evening but also contribute to a brighter future for those who have been impacted by modern slavery. Taking action together – to end modern slavery.

Key Speakers:

James W. Keyes is a global business leader, best selling author, philanthropist, artist, musician, commercial pilot, and modern renaissance man. He is the former CEO of two internally recognized Fortune 500 companies, 7-Eleven, Inc. and Blockbuster, Inc. His other business interests cover a broad range of industries from retail, consumer products, technology, healthcare, cyber security, new space, energy, and advanced nuclear. He sits on several public company boards and serves as a board adviser to a venture capital firm and a number of start-up companies.

Keyes’ philanthropic initiatives have an equally broad focus, including serving a three-term seat on the Board of Governors for the American Red Cross, acting as the former Chairman of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and serving on the board of directors for institutions such as UT Southwestern Medical School, Cooper Institute, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Dallas Performing Arts Center, SMU Cox School of Business, Columbia Business School, and his alma mater, College of the Holy Cross. He has had a lifelong commitment to education, serving as a founding director of the Dallas Education Foundation and is the founder of the Education Is Freedom Foundation. He is the author of Education is Freedom: The Future Is in Your Hands which provides the “what,” “why,” and “how” of learning. It outlines the importance of education for all mankind, the power of education to change our world, and the wisdom to unlock our personal freedom while reserving our democracy.

Keyes is a personification of the American Dream, as he comes from humble beginnings. He was inducted in 2005 as a Member of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. In 2024 he received the Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award, presented by Methodist Health System Foundation to recognize demonstrated community leadership.