Fashion runway fundraiser a runaway success

JULIA WADE

3 Oct, 2022

Designer fashion, sashaying catwalk models, fine cuisine and a glass of bubbles, as well as a whole lot of fun, was served up on a recent rainy day as Mangawhai continued their generous support for Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day.

‘Bubbles and High Tea’ fashion parade, held at Mangawhai Club on September 21, was a runaway success with all tickets pre-sold. Although an exact total is still unknown, Mangawhai Daffodil Day coordinator Jeanne Jury is confident a substantial donation was achieved from the special event, adding to the $12,000-plus already donated by the community in recent weeks.

“I need to acknowledge the efforts by the Mangawhai Club for hosting this event, providing the high tea, enjoyable food and of course the delicious bubbles. Not surprised that not so many guests partook of tea and coffee in the beautiful fine china made available by a dear friend,” she says. “The models deserve total acknowledgement for their contribution to the fashion parade, for their antics, smiles and laughter, they enjoyed themselves as well.”

Numerous spot prizes included a Mangawhai Club bar tab, Mangawhai Golf Club green fee voucher, and products from Carolyn of Norwex. Pre-loved fashion donated by Mangawhai Opportunity Shop aka The Factory, went up for sale after the parade with a majority of items finding a new home, Jeanne says.

“Special mention has to be made for Leanne and Sophie from the Factory, who decided I wasn’t making a great job of the commentary and took over the task with much humour and imagination,” she laughs. “Thanks also to professional photographer Nina Gastreich who offered her services complimentary and recorded the afternoon.”

Jeanne also extended her gratitude to the community for supporting the entire Daffodil Day fundraiser, from those who donated cash, to volunteers, to local businesses like Hamish at the Heads Four Square ‘for his generosity’ and ‘John Phillis and ‘his lovely wife for organising the very successful quiz night at the Tavern, the list goes on’.

“None of this can be achieved without the support of our wonderful community, my humble sincere thanks to you all!”

Cancer Society Auckland-Northland Division Community Fundraising Co-ordinator Natasha Judd says coordinator Jeanne Jury and her team ‘have been

absolute stars’ organising Mangawhai’s Daffodil Day events, which included a quiz night and mystery walk.

“All of these events take a lot of organising, a lot of work that goes on in the background and just want to say thank you to everyone,” she says. “We have an amazing team of volunteers, over 500 for Daffodil Day in Northland alone this year, and to date have raised $114,000 across the region, so thank you to all of you.”
 

PHOTOS/NINA GASTREIC