THE TOWN HALL ROCKED
Saturday 21st November will be long remembered by hospice staff, friends and associates and supportive businesses. Because that was the night of the hospice's 30th birthday at the wonderful Auckland Town Hall. And it rocked!
The origins of the evening lay in a desire to put on a special birthday as a thank you to all staff and volunteers for all their hard work over the past 30 years. This happily coincided with fundraising committee member Cheryl Whiting's idea to have a celebration in the Town Hall. Her efforts and connections helped make this possible. Special thanks to His Worship the Mayor John Banks for his support and to The Edge for their generosity and great assistance.
Lesley Dawson and the fundraising team then developed a baby boomers 50s, 60s and 70s theme, “Shake it Up, Baby”, a lot of which went on, on the night.
A great deal more work behind the scenes with Ray Columbus and Larry Morris achieved a stunning line-up of artists, all of whom were kiwi icons of the 60s and 70s.
So to the night, and from the very beginning, it was clear it was going to be a evening to remember. Shouts of delight could be heard as the 600 plus guests arrived, all of them in an array of 50s and 60s and 70s gear begged, borrowed, hired, or found in the dress-up box.
The welcome Pimms immediately took everyone back to the good old days, especially when they entered the main hall, with its disco lighting and themed balloons.
The night's entertainment was incredible, kicking off with MC Frankie Stevens, and performers Larry Morris and his band who also provided backing for, Shane, Suzanne, Tom Sharplin and Ray Columbus. They were all received with huge enthusiasm and the dance floor remained packed all evening. Great choreography by the Candy Lane dancers on several songs added to the mood.
The final set of the night was the performance by Shane Cortese and the class of '58 which was a superb finale to an already great evening.
'Shake It Up Baby' was great fun, there was a huge amount of energy expended on the dance floor (which actually shook and everyone went home buzzing and highly satisfied with their big night out.
As spokesman Larry Morris commented, “It was a blast and we were all thrilled with the reaction we received from those there that very special evening”.
Special thanks must be extended to the sponsors – Barfoot & Thomson, The Edge, AppServ, Austins, The New Zealand Herald and NorWest Advertising. Also to all the performers, Marbecks, Walker & Hall, Mollies Boutique Hotel and Frances Davies of the International Art Centre, for their generous contribution of raffle prizes. Thanks also to the hard-working Fundraising committee, Cheryl Whiting, Di Goldsworthy, Luna Cameron, Cyndy Hendry, Christina Cairns, Jillian Bashford, Stephanie Tattersfield, Alma Sax, Penny Clydesdale and Lesley Dawson. Also Sara O'Brien for managing the performers so well, out the back.
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