Mayoress' Charity Ball proven huge success

In times where ‘cheesy’ music playlists and party décor often plague social functions, a recent charity event hosted by Auckland Mayoress Shan Inglis has proven that misconceptions can be easily discarded from the dance floor.

The Westpac Mayoress’ Charity Ball proved to be a major success as high profile business owners and celebrity guests flocked to attend the charity gala at the new Viaduct Events Centre last Saturday night.

Designed to rival similar international events such as the Viennese Opera Ball in New York and the Black & White Ball in San Francisco, the Mayoress’ ‘Moulin Rouge’ themed masquerade gala included charity auctions, live performances and fine dining.

It has been estimated that over $160,000 has been raised during the special event, with all net proceeds being given to the Mayoress’ ‘Fund for Youth’, an independent charitable fund administered within the Auckland Communities Foundation.

Mayoress Shan Inglis says she has always had a place for helping struggling youths and that the charity gala will contribute greatly to providing life changing opportunities to youths.

“I believe in an Auckland where every child has the best possible start in life and a future full of opportunities.”

The charity gala, professionally organised by Duco Events, has been confirmed to be an ongoing fixture and will continue to host charity balls of a professional standard for future years.

David Higgins, director and founder of Duco Events, has confirmed with NBR that an agreement has been made to host future charity gala events regardless of common misconceptions about the quality standards that usually surround such events.

“Balls and social functions have previously been frowned upon often forming comparisons with cheesy functions and school socials, but months of planning and hard work have transformed this event to be exactly the opposite, flipping those misconceptions on their heads.”

Higgins received much positive feedback from guests who attended the event, further confirming that the positive response has contributed greatly to the organisation of future events.

Among the lavish dresses and smart suits were a host of VIP guests including chief executive office of Auckland Airport Simon Moutter and former New Zealand Prime Minister Jenny Shipley, who hosted the VIP tables which were on offer for the night.

The charity auction itself included a lavish collection of auction items up for grabs.

Rugby jerseys signed by high profile players including David Kirk, Martin Johnson and recent All Black team captain Richie McCaw were up for the bidding, along with items such as a signed Fender guitar from Paul McCartney (including a certificate of authenticity) and a dinner for eight with Bob Jones and Marc Ellis.

Along with other auction items including a signed voting form by Nelson Mandela and a bottle of Pinot Noir from John Key himself, the overall amount raised from the Mayoress’ Charity Ball goes to show that ‘cliché functions’ can easily be swept under the rug to make way for events of a higher calibre.

Photos courtesy The A List