Peter first connected with The Lily Foundation through a personal friendship with our founder, Liz. What started as a heartfelt gesture of support after Lily tragically passed away has grown into a powerful annual fundraising event that brings people together over great food, live music and a shared commitment to finding a cure.
“After Lily sadly lost her battle with mitochondrial disease, Liz and her family asked if we would host an event at the restaurant,” recalls Peter. “She and her family have been coming here for years – it’s almost like their kids have grown up in the restaurant – so I didn’t need to think about it for a second.”
One night turned into a tradition
“We had this amazing evening with food, live music, raffles and auctions,” he continues. “That became the Lily Italian Night, and we’ve been doing it almost every year since. We always wanted to be involved in a cause that meant something to us, and with Lily it just felt special. I suppose it’s what touches you personally that makes you want to do something.”
For Peter, it’s also about knowing that 100% of what’s donated to The Lily Foundation stays in the charity. “With other charities,” he says, “sometimes you’re not quite sure how your money is making a difference, but with Lily you can see first-hand what they’re doing and the difference it’s making to families and children. There’s a real feeling of community and you always see familiar faces at the events.”
More than just hosts – part of the family
And Peter and his wife Donna are more than hosts – they’re part of the Lily family too. From Lily Golf Days and Comedy Nights to our annual ball and Fight Night, they’re a constant presence, giving their time, energy and heart to the cause. And the couple are very much looking forward to volunteering at the Lily Family Weekend again this summer. “The rewards make every minute of volunteering worth it,” says Peter.
But it’s the event closest to home that the couple look forward to the most. “It’s such a great, friendly night, a really special atmosphere.” Peter smiles broadly. “I think it’s something about us all knowing why we’re there – that behind it all is this really serious issue that pulls everyone together. It’s about getting people who have never heard of the charity, or mitochondrial disease, to learn a little bit about it and maybe get involved if they want to.”
Supporting The Lily Foundation means a lot to the Bagatti family. Peter admits that he still gets emotional whenever Liz gets up at an event and tells her story. “And when they play a video of the kids who are affected, it absolutely does me in,” he confesses. “We’re a close Italian family and our kids are the most important things in our lives, so when you see what others are going through, it really gets you. Sometimes I’m in tears. But out of that sad story has come such a positive thing, and we’re proud to be a part of that.”
Peter Bagatti is the owner of Bagatti's Italian restaurant in Croydon, and one of The Lily Foundation's longest-serving volunteers. Thank you to Peter, Donna and all our incredible Lily volunteers for your support!
