At 8.41am on Friday 16 May, after a full 24 hours of concerted fundraising, Melbourne Grammar School had raised $1,230,000 – just $20,000 shy of its Giving Day goal.
Across the Wadhurst Oval, not even 100 metres away from the balloons, headsets, and countdown clock still ticking away in the Giving Day call centre, Melbourne Grammar’s Risk Manager, Justine Block, was thinking of her Dad.
Moments later a gift was received that secured the School’s Giving Day target. It was from Justine and the dedication read “On behalf of my recently deceased father, Gilbert Block (OM 1952).”
Her father, Gilbert, was a boarder at Melbourne Grammar and had treasured his education. He loved music, rowing, and mischief, and spoke often to Justine of the camaraderie and lifelong friendships formed during his years at the School.
“As I watched the team pushing toward the goal, and I realised how close we were, something in me said: ‘Do it now. For him,’” Justine says.
“Working here, you see firsthand how much care goes into everything this School does,” Justine said. “From scholarships to the way we speak about culture and values – it matters. It’s real.”
Thinking of the message her father might have left behind; the words came to her as clearly as if he’d spoken them himself.
“I think he’d say, ‘It’s your turn now – and here’s a little something to help you on your way.’”