Marie, a resident at Mercy Place East Melbourne, has long dreamed of an experience where she would feel truly spoilt – a moment just for her.
“Marie had a really tough life, and describes never doing anything nice for herself, and never having anything nice done for her,” Mercy Place General Manager Tara says.
After hearing Marie’s story, the Mercy Health Foundation team knew the Imagine Fund could help, and were determined to show Marie that dreams can come true and that everyone should have the opportunity to experience that one special moment in their life.
It was a Friday, just two days before Christmas when a sleek black Mercedes-Benz rolled into Mercy Place East Melbourne to whisk Marie away to one of Melbourne’s most exclusive and elegant restaurants.
Marie, with Kelly, enjoying her Vue de monde experience
Accompanied by her friend and Mercy Place lifestyle coordinator Kelly, Marie arrived at Vue de monde to begin her dream experience – she was about to dine in the sky…
Marie was greeted by the Vue de monde team who had pulled out all the stops to ensure this was a dream experience like no other – they even created a bespoke menu just for her!
After enjoying an unusually delicious starter of asparagus and green ants, accompanied by a lemon, lime and yuzu, a very fine-dining version of Marie’s favourite lemon, lime, and bitters, Marie was treated to a private tour of the kitchen — a privilege reserved for only the most VIP of guests!
Once Marie had indulged in another nine fabulous courses, including a scrumptious Blackmore Wagyu with summer offerings, she was whisked away to a private balcony overlooking Melbourne where she shared her final dessert courses with Kelly.
This was the cherry on top of an already incredible day for Marie.
When Marie arrived back at Mercy Place East Melbourne, Kelly remarked that Marie was completely in awe of the experience she had just had – a once-in-a-lifetime dream come true for a most deserving resident in Mercy’s care.
“Marie has been excitedly telling everyone about her experience at Vue de monde” Kelly says, “this is a moment that will stay with her, and me, forever… thank you!”
“Life can be boring sometimes and this experience is something I will never forget,” Marie says.
A special thank you to Oak Capital and Vue de monde for their support in making Marie’s dream come true.
Dreams like Marie’s are only possible with your generous support — thank you for supporting the Imagine Fund and enabling residents in Mercy Health’s care to experience that one special moment in their life!
Last reviewed April 11, 2023.