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Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lowes CEO worth $400 million rises to top of high society at Gold Dinner - after she banned celebrities from the prestigious $3500-a-head event
Linda Penn has become the undisputed queen of the Sydney social scene. The Lowes Menswear CEO, who, alongside her brother and Lowes co-owner Jeffrey Mueller is worth a cool $400 million, held court at the glamorous Gold Dinner in Sydney on Wednesday night. Linda heads the Gold Dinner Committee alongside her son Joshua, and rules the charity event with an iron fist. Every year an influential mix of business and philanthropic leaders attends - and the gala was once also littered with A-listers before Penn and her son banned them from the event. In the past, celebrities like Chris Hemsworth, Roxy Jacenko, Ian Thorpe, Hamish Blake and Karl Stefanovic made appearances on the red carpet. In 2023, a swathe of celebrities walked the red carpet, including the likes of cricket WAG Candice Warner, actor Lincoln Younes, Sunrise star Natalie Barr and Ex-NRL star Cooper Cronk. Gold Dinner co-chair Joshua revealed ahead of the 2024 gala that the event will shun celebrities going forward, as they 'don't seem to add much value'. 'I'm always told to invite the celebrity or the famous rugby player and put the WAG on the list but it is just not our thing,' Penn explained. 'We have done it before and they end up taking up valuable space', he added. Joshua said that the attention is usually too much on the celebrities, rather than on the purpose of the event. On Wednesday, the only celebrities of note came in the form of Sunrise co-hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington, as well as former Wiggles performer Emma Watkins, with Sydney's wealthy elite making up most of the guest list. The invitation-only gala is held annually at a secret location in Sydney and is given a unique theme every year. For the first time, this year the Gold Dinner was held at the Royal Botanic Gardens' Parade Ground Lawn, set amongst Sydney's most iconic landmarks and framed by the vibrant light spectacle of Vivid Sydney. With close proximity to Government House and iconic landmarks the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge - all being illuminated as part of the city's renowned festival of light - this year's event is themed 'Light Up a Child's Life'. It offers guests a symbolic and immersive experience that ties directly to its cause as they aim to raise $80 million - the most ambitious target to date. For almost three decades, the Gold Dinner in Sydney has united Australia's leaders and captains of industry to support the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network through the SCHF. Now expanded to Perth, and with plans to hold events in the USA and UK with Australia expats, the Gold Series is recognised as Australia's most prestigious philanthropic initiative. Sydney's Gold Dinner has raised over $90 million since its inception in 1997, directly transforming the lives of sick kids and their families by funding life-saving treatments and care. Linda posed alongside some of her esteemed attendees, including former Deputy Leader of the Opposition Kristina Keneally. The Lowes matriarch stood out glittering silver gown with art deco panels and semi-sheer skirting. She added to her ensemble with a gold purse and a diamond necklace that matched her earrings. As the co-owner and Managing Director of Lowes Menswear, Linda works full time overseeing the entire operation, which includes over 190 stores, online portals and over 1900 staff across Australia. Linda and her dentist husband David, who founded Southern Cross Dental laboratories, have three children. She previously told Belinda International that despite her business nous, her family is her priority. 'Look after yourself from a health and mental well-being perspective' Linda said in offering advice for working mothers.
Daily Mail
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Karl and Jasmine Stefanovic bring the glamour to the Silver Party in Sydney – with TV's golden couple turning heads at star-studded children's charity gala
Karl and Jasmine Stefanovic were the picture of elegance and charm on Saturday evening as they arrived at the prestigious Silver Party in Sydney, commanding attention among a sea of A-listers at the annual charity event. The Today show star, 50, looked suave and sophisticated in a classic black suit paired with matching dress shoes and a crisp white shirt. He looked to be having the time of his life as he flashed his signature grin while posing proudly alongside his stunning wife. Jasmine, 41, exuded effortless glamour in a plunging black gown that hugged her figure perfectly. Meanwhile, a cream coat worn elegantly over her shoulders added a sophisticated edge to the look. Jasmine completed her outfit with a stunning diamond necklace that shimmered under the event lights - a show-stopping accessory that added just the right amount of sparkle to the elegant affair. The couple, who have long been favourites on the Sydney social scene, made their stylish entrance at the exclusive event held at the Vaucluse home of billionaire and event host Justin Hemmes. It was attended by some 300 influential figures from the worlds of business, media, and entertainment. Joining them at the glittering soirée was model Madeline Holtznagel, who proudly showed off her growing baby bump as she stepped out with her billionaire partner and event host Justin Hemmes. The 28-year-old beauty looked radiant in a strapless black gown featuring a sheer midriff that put her blossoming belly on display. With her brunette locks styled in an elegant updo and subtle, glowing makeup, Madeline was the picture of maternal glamour. Her partner Justin, 52, matched her sophistication in a perfectly tailored black suit, looking every bit the dashing dad-to-be. The Silver Party, held annually by the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation, is one of the city's most prestigious charity galas. Held this year at a lavish harbourside residence, the event drew around hundreds of Sydney's most influential business leaders, philanthropists, media figures, and celebrities. Since its inception in 2001, the Silver Party has raised over $10 million in support of the state's most critically ill children, funding vital equipment, research, and life-saving treatments across the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network. Madeline and Justin - who have been dating since 2020 - appeared to be in high spirits as they mingled with fellow A-List guests. The socialite's glamorous appearance comes just weeks after news broke that she and Hemmes are expecting their first child together, adding another exciting chapter to their already high-profile romance. With the baby due later this year, Saturday's outing marked one of the couple's final public appearances before they step into the next chapter of parenthood. The Silver Party is a prestigious annual fundraising gala hosted by the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation (SCHF).
