Three prominent charities have received a financial windfall following the runaway success of the inaugural 5280 Charity Ball in Millicent on Saturday night.
More than $30,000 was raised at the gala event, with funds to be divided between the Wattle Range Hospital Auxiliary, Millicent Cancer Support Group and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Taking its name from the postcode for Millicent, all 230 seats were filled at the Millicent War Memorial Civic and Arts Centre as ball goers “put on the Ritz”.
The $150-per-head admission fee was all inclusive and covered canapes, dinner, sweets and drinks.
The dignitaries in attendance included Member for MacKillop Nick McBride, Millicent High School principal Todd Watson, Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll and other councillors.
Among the Millicent businesses to take up tables were e-smart electrical and Big Trev’s Gas and Plumbing.
The coffers of the three charities were further boosted by the auction of 15 high-end donated goods and services.
Father-and-son auctioneering duo John and Will Chay elicited spirited bidding for items ranging from accommodation packages and cooking classes to a signed Essendon AFL guernsey donated by Millicent Bomber star Mason Redman.
The Baker Boys Band, from Adelaide, then ensured the party mood was maintained beyond midnight.
The 5280 Charity Ball was the brainchild of South East Property Sales and Management proprietor Fiona Telfer.
Her Millicent-based real estate firm staged the event as a way of supporting the local community.
All of her staff members and their partners donated their time in serving food and drinks and other chores.
Other community members donated their time in the kitchen and the booth and in other staging tasks to ensure the maximum returns for the three charities.
Ms Telfer formally welcomed all to the gala event and said she was pleased that some local businesses and groups had taken up her suggestion to have their pre-Christmas functions at the 5280 Charity Ball. She thanked all who contributed to the success of the night.
The spokesperson for the three benefitting charities was Millicent Cancer Support Group president Lisa McCourt.
While acknowledging the donations from the first 5280 Charity Ball, Ms McCourt urged all present to consider joining these groups.
Speaking to The SE Voice after the speeches, Ms McCourt explained that she had attended the ball with nine other women.
“There are no men at our table: this is a night out for us girls,” Ms McCourt said.
“We have known each other for years and some of us were on the Kindergym committee around 30 years ago.
“Some with us tonight have come from as far away as Adelaide and Whyalla.”
e-smart electrical co-proprietor Amy Faulkner said the function was a good way to celebrate the festive season.
Ms Faulkner was pleased the profits would be donated to charities.
“All the funds stay here and benefit local people,” Ms Faulkner said.
