David Schwarz to headline gala fundraiser

David Schwarz (right) will be the guest speaker at The Power in You Project's annual gala fundraiser. Photo: DANIEL POCKETT/AAP IMAGE

FORMER AFL footballer and recovered gambling addict David Schwarz will headline The Power in You Project’s annual fundraising gala event in Geelong.

The August 31 event will be held at Provenance Wines and feature the star Melbourne player and media personality speaking to attendees about his addiction journey.

Mr Schwarz will also detail his move into mentorship in the gambling prevention and wellbeing space.

He said he looked forward to enlightening the community on his struggles.

“When you can share a story and experiences in relation to addiction and overcoming adversity, then it can only be a good thing.

“If you’re willing to put your hand up and admit your flaws, then you will have the support even when you think there is no hope or support available.

“I’ll share some cautionary tales and how you can slip into bad habits and head down a path you don’t expect yourself to go down.

“I’m really looking forward to it. Hopefully people walk away and see there are avenues for help if they need.”

Power In You Project founder Kane Nuttall said he was thrilled to secure someone with Mr Schwarz’s profile and lived experience.

“David was a very well-known, exciting footballer with a career spanning 11-years and 173 games, a Melbourne best-and-fairest trophy and a Grand Final appearance in 2000.

“His struggles with gambling were well documented, including in his 2010 autobiography ‘All Bets Are Off.

“Our team and the wider community will benefit greatly hearing about the work that he now does to educate corporate organisations, schools, the sporting industry and through local government projects.

“We are very much looking forward to hearing his story in person.”

In addition to Mr Schwarz, guests will also hear from a former participant of The Power In You Project.

Nicki Buckley will be the event’s MC, with entertainment provided by local band G&T as well as live saxophonist Max on Sax.

The event is almost sold out. Remaining tickets are available via events.humanitix.com/2024-piyp-charity-gala