Black-tie event to celebrate first Libby Ruge Smile Fund graduates

This November marks four years since 19-year-old Libby Ruge was hit and killed by a car on Flinders Street, Wollongong.

The heartache and grief is still raw, but in those four years her legacy, the Libby Ruge Smile Fund, has flourished.

The fund gives young adults dental rehabilitation they or their families might not be able to afford.

This October the charity’s first graduates will attend its annual black-tie ball and another five young people will be welcomed into the program.

Libby’s mums, Julie and Jules, recently moved to Coffs Harbour, as there were too many memories in their Kiama home.

Julie has thrown herself into equine therapy and Jules works on blacksmithing projects in her shed.

Julie said although the grief was still raw for both of them, the ball was a chance to remember and celebrate Libby.

“It’s bittersweet to be honest, because the reason we are doing this is heartbreaking,” she said.

“What do you do? You either curl up in a ball, which I did for a little bit, or find something to take on to give you purpose and that’s what I had to do, because Libby was our world.

“This year the ball will showcase the first five to finish their dental program. It’s around the time of Libby’s birthday so in a way it’s a celebration.

“I’m very proud and I’m sure Libby would be too. I made sure I was there for each one when they got their braces off and there’s always lots of tears on both sides.”

The Libby Ruge Smile Fund was born out of the 19-year-old’s dream to become a dentist.

After she saw the way orthodontic work gave her mum more confidence in herself, Libby was determined to share that magic with others.

She believed orthodontic work was an art that could completely change the way a person felt about themselves.

While Libby was on her gap year before university, COVID-19 pandemic restrictions struck.

With travel off the cards at the time, Libby worked as much as she could at dental clinics across the Illawarra to prepare for her future studies.

Sadly she was killed before she could begin.

In her memory, her mums began the Libby Ruge Smile Fund to provide dental work for young people who couldn’t afford it for themselves.

“It’s been really successful; it’s a lot of work but I believe Lib just makes it all fall into place,” Julie said.

“We aim to help young adults who have missed out, who are working to pay rent, to pay off their car and the extra money to have their teeth fixed just isn’t within reach.

“Every recipient has a backstory and so many are connected in some way to her or someone she knows, it’s like she puts the perfect person in front of me.

“So many people who knew her have come on board to help and I think she set us up with all these amazing people who have continued her legacy.

“She hasn’t been forgotten and that was our aim, to keep her memory alive.”

This year the Libby Ruge Smile Fund Annual Spring Ball will be held at the Novotel on Saturday 19 October from 6:30 pm.

Tickets include pre-dinner drinks and canapes, a three-course meal and a five-hour beverage package of beer, wine and soft drink.

The evening will feature live music, entertainment and fundraising.

Funds raised at the ball will go towards supporting the fund’s work.

The Novotel is offering 15 per cent off rooms for ball attendees who want to stay overnight.

To purchase tickets head to Humanitix: Libby Ruge Smile Fund Inc Annual Spring Ball 2024 | Humanitix