Canberra’s beloved Book Character Ball calls for community support

Posted on 22 May, 2025

One of Canberra’s most wholesome fundraising events faces an uncertain future as ticket sales dwindle for Dainere’s Rainbow Book Character Ball.

Since her death in 2013 at the age of 15, Dainere Anthoney’s family have tirelessly been advocating and fundraising for brain cancer research. But as the 12^th anniversary of her passing approaches –  one year closer to Dainere not physically here for the same amount of time as she lived – they are calling on the Canberra community to help save one of their most important fundraising events.

Also known as one of the most wholesome events on the Canberra calendar, Dainere’s Rainbow Book Character Ball has been fundraising for brain cancer research for years, donating funds towards world-class research projects and programs that help children with brain tumours.

However, with dwindling ticket sales, the team behind Dainere’s Rainbow (Stephen Anthoney, Yvonne Anthoney, Nalani Kilby, and Jarrett Anthoney) say the event might not be able to go ahead this year, taking away the chance to support children like Dainere.

“Brain cancer doesn’t wait for cost of living, people to see if something better comes up or another day,” they say.

“Dainere remains a beacon of hope and a lasting example of how one courageous individual can make a difference. She radiated love, bravery, positivity, joy, and deep gratitude for every day she was here. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched and in the ongoing fight to create a world where no child has to face what she did.”

Created by Dainere herself, the Book Character Ball is one of the many things she left the local community. Inspired by her passion for writing and storytelling – which also saw her write two books before her passing – the 2025 ball will be held at Old Parliament House on Saturday 14 June and encourages attendees to dress up as their favourite book characters to raise money for a good cause.

“Born from her personal experiences, creativity, and deep empathy, the Book Character Ball 2025 embodies the very essence of Dainere’s determination to create a better future for others,” says the Dainere’s Rainbow team.

“Through her storytelling, she continued to share her voice and her message, leaving behind a legacy of hope and inspiration for children and families in Canberra and around Australia affected by brain cancer.”

With a three-course meal, continuous three- hour drinks, a live and silent auction, raffle and an amazing line-up of entertainment planned (which includes Jules Mariani, DJ Alex Carder, Cleopatra Moon and Graceful Rose Parties), the Dainere’s Rainbow team says that attending the event will help “write a brighter chapter for children facing the unimaginable.”

“This is more than a gala—it’s a chance to change lives, honour brave children and families, and invest in hope.”

“Every ticket purchased, every item bid on, every dollar donated brings us closer to a world where children with brain cancer have a brighter future.”

However, they also understand that not everyone can attend the ball. Explaining that there are still plenty of ways to support Dainere’s Rainbow and childhood brain cancer research, every single dollar makes a difference.

“Dainere’s Rainbow is entirely run by our family and volunteers who give their time, hearts, enthusiasm, dedication and care and 100 per cent of all funds raised or donated go directly to the research programs and projects set up in our beloved and inspiring Dainere’s name,” they say.

“You can come along to any of our other events that we hold throughout the year from Market Stalls, Christmas Lights and Stalls, Scare Brain Cancer Away Trivia and more or you can make a tax deductible online donation or support Dainere’s brother Jarrett in his City2Surf fundraising.”

Ticket sales close on Friday 23 May and with money going towards groundbreaking clinical trials at Sydney Children’s Hospital Kids Cancer Centre, dress as your favourite book character or go formal – however you plan on attending, you’ll be making a difference alongside Dainere’s Rainbow one story, one child and one breakthrough at a time.

“In her tragically short life, Dainere achieved what many never do in a lifetime. She was a prolific advocate and awareness-raiser for childhood brain cancer, using her voice, passion for writing and lived experience to call for change,”

“There will be a day where we will see Dainere’s greatest wish in life of a cure being found and no children suffering as she did.”

Images supplied.