Glamorous party helps women worldwide

 

BY JULIA WADE

Glitz and glamour in 50 shades of black and white lit up a cold winters night recently as more than 140 party-goers attended one of the most anticipated and fashionable annual fundraising events in east Kaipara.

Decked out in the two-tones, Hakaru Hall was the place to be on June 22, the shortest night of the year, as women’s advocacy organisation Zonta Mangawhai’s mid-winter formal black-and-white themed Ball kicked off in style for the fourth year running, 
Although little colour was present, patrons still managed to paint the night red, bidding on a live auction and dancing off a three course meal to the rock ‘n roll of four piece band ‘The Renegades’. 

With a final tally of $24,000 raised, Mangawhai Zonta president Helen White says the Ball was ‘a massive success’.
 
“This is our number one big annual fundraiser… it not only enables attendees to get all ‘glammed up’ but helps us to fund projects locally, nationally and internationally.” 

Ball convenor, Zonta member Jan Fisher says the group ‘certainly could not have achieved such great financial success’ without help and donated auction prizes from Mangawhai’s business sector including local catering services, retail, community shops, health and beauty centres, real estate, holiday accommodation and building services, as well as individual members.
 
Auction prizes ranged from both local and overseas holidays, pampering packs, a Tara Iti golf package to handy tool and gardening items and even framed ‘priceless’ boxing gloves formerly used by Shane Cameron. The Renegades also generously donated a ‘playing gig’ prize.

“I think the biggest thank you is to the Mangawhai business community, we are so lucky to have their support,” said Jan. “A very special thanks to Bammas and Mangawhai Pharmacy for selling the tickets for us and all the groups in the district that have lent a hand when it was needed.”

White says while a percentage of money raised goes towards Zonta International chosen projects such as the fight to end child marriage globally, the majority of funds are distributed to support and enhance the lives of local residents. 
“This year two local girls travelled on the Spirit of Adventure, baby packs were distributed by local midwives to new mums in need, sanitary products for two local high schools for discretionary distribution to enable all girls to attend school daily, and individual grants were gifted for local high school girls to attend school camps and overseas experiences,” she says. “Two older local mums with young children who are undertaking studies for a second career, received our Second Chance Awards, a lump sum payment to assist with gaining an NZQA approved qualification.”

Zonta Mangawhai also donated to the local HIPPY programme (Home Interaction Programme for Parents and Youngsters) and supports PADA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa).

“So thank you to our wonderful local sponsors and the generosity of locals and guests attending the ball and those who successfully bid on our fantastic auction items – your support goes a long way to help us to help and empower women and girls, local and worldwide.”

 Interested in being a part of this dynamic organisation and making a difference or want to know more? Go to Zonta Club of Mangawhai on Facebook or visit Zonta International District 16, zonta.org.nz

Glamourous Ball goers enjoy a three course dinner by local caterer ‘A to Z Catering’ before bidding on assorted prizes and rocking the winter night away.