On Saturday, 28th May, 128 guests arrived at the Brighton Savoy having embellished their outfits with "A Touch of Gold"……. from earrings to hand bags, hats and ties, nails and eyehadow….Gold was the Go!
The decor of the room and the enthusiasm of the guests to enter into the spirit of the evening, combined to create a "golden moment in time" in the clubs social history.
Without a doubt, the success of the Gala Ball can be attributed to a fantastic team effort! It was a privilege to work with such a cohesive committee.
The HRAFC "A Touch of Gold" Gala Ball, 2011 was an event especially designed to bring both the Junior and Senior communities of the club together for an evening of Fellowship and FUNdraising.
Given the eight week lead time we were given to put this Gala Ball together, what we achieved was simply amazing! I think we can safely say we ticked both the Fellowship and FUNdraising boxes…given the amount of mingling on the dance floor and monies raised!!!
The generosity of local traders and contacts within our football community, contributed to the overwhelming success of the evening. Approximately $20,000 worth of goods were donated!
Despite being down on anticipated numbers, the quality and range of the goods we had on offer for the Live and Silent Auction and the raffle, the structure of the night in conjunction with the venue, the food, wine and music, meant that the guests who were there, had a fabulous time….and were eager and happy to open their wallets to support the club.
Our six Major Live Auction items went off like hotcakes and there were some terrific battles between bidders! And no wonder, with the following items up for grabs!
1) Carlton Corporate Box at Etihad Stadium, including a food and beverage package 2) A weekend away at "The Barwon Heads Resort" at Thirteenth Beach: both organised by the Hanna family through Carlton FC contacts, 3) Dinner and Drinks for six at The Pantry: courtesy of The Pantry and the Higgins family, A photography session and large print: courtesy of Happy Kids Photography, A night at Crown and a Limousine Transfer: courtesy of Travel Scene, Hampton and Executive Limousines. 6) A gold badged Premiership 2011 jumper, signed by the Collingwood Football Team: organized by The Rovers Senior Players and a flurry of raffle tickets were sold for our Major prize of a weekend in Daylesford at "The Manse": courtesy of Dean Lovig.
There were some hotly contested Silent Auction items and some very sleek and satisfied smiles at the close of bidding!
While we are waiting on final figures to come in, I believe we will come close to making a net profit of around $15,000…….. What a fabulous result everyone…Thankyou!
I would like to acknowledge the Gala Ball Committee, 2011 and thank them for their encouragement and support of me and for their exceptional hard work over the past two months to get the Gala Ball across the line:
Megan Hanna: Responsible for bookings and enquiries and promotion. (and the Carlton and Barwon Heads prizes)
Julie Carrigan: Responsible for soliciting and collecting donations.
Augusta Benvenuto: Artwork and soliciting and collecting Donations.
Melissa Carney: Live and Silent Auction and IT person.
Annie Westhead: Decoration, donations and printing.
Daniel Andersen: Senior team Liason
A round of Applause to All of you…take a bow! xxxxxx
The Gala Ball Committee, 2011 would also like to thank:
Buxton: The HRAFC major sponsor for providing us with promotional boards: Thankyou Gavan Fallon and Russell Flynn for making this happen.
Brian Ambler: Sponsorship Manager of the club for his time and efforts in approaching Club Sponsors and coming through with the goods!
Cam Voss: for his support on the club website and Eftpos support on the night.
Greg Taylor: Our wonderful treasurer. Thankyou for doing such a wonderful job in the lead up paying and on the evening, collecting monies.
David Hart: Our Buxton Auctioneer Extraordinaire: What a brilliant effort…I have never seen 6 live Auction items go so fast ….and for such good prices!!!
Matthew Gray: Our Marvellous MC…Thankyou for helping to keeping the night on track.
To the Coaches and Team Managers and Social Reps: Thankyou for drumming up support and tables.
To Our Sponsors, Local traders and Football Community: Thankyou for the wonderful array of donated goods and services.
To Phil Bourke: Junior President, Jim Westhead: Senior President and Paul Pavlou: Chairman…. Thankyou for your support of The HRAFC "A Touch of Gold" Gala Ball Committee, 2011. It was much appreciated by all of us.
Whilst we are in a celebratory mode, we acknowledge that there were some criticisms in the last couple of weeks leading up to the Ball re: price (too expensive) and timing (too early in the season). As a Committee, we have taken this feedback on board for the future.
But all in all, The HRAFC "A Touch of Gold" Gala Ball was simply a sensational night for the club!
Well, I think thats all folks….if I have left anyone out, I apologise in advance.
Thankyou All Again!!
Cheers,
Lisa Styring
Co-ordinator Gala Ball Commttee, 2011
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And finally, on behalf of the entire club, we would like to thank Lisa for her outstanding work in coordinating everything and ensuring the night was such a huge success for the club and enjoyed by all in attendance. Great job!
