28/08/2007

Starship Brunch Bags $65,000

Fundraising was in the bag at SKYCITY on Sunday (August 26, 2007) when the Bag Ladies Brunch hit town.

Over 650 women - and a few brave men - attended the SKYCITY sponsored charity brunch to help raise over $65,000 for a new operating microscope for Starship Children’s Hospital’s ear, nose and throat surgeons.

Liz Darlow, Friends of Starship North Shore Convener and Brunch organiser, says this year’s event was the biggest and best yet with a record amount raised.

“We were thrilled that, for the first time in the five year history of the Brunch, the event completely sold out. It was fantastic to see so many Starship supporters come along, have fun, and help us raise money for a very important piece of equipment for New Zealand children,” said Ms Darlow.

The ‘Bag Competition’ was the highlight of the Brunch and the guests’ handiwork and creativity were put to the test. The hundreds of bag creations were whittled down to ten finalists including bags made from a pair of jeans, nutshells, Kenny Rogers records, a hot water bottle and a bright red letterbox.

The bag that took out the top prize was a stunning creation made from a broken chandelier.

SKYCITY Community Relations and Sponsorship Manager, Kylie Archer, says SKYCITY was delighted to once again sponsor the Bag Ladies Brunch.

“The Bag Ladies Brunch is always a fun and fantastic event that raises much needed funds for an important, and much loved, New Zealand charity.

“In the spirit of fundraising our SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre Executive Chef, Ross Hannah, stepped up to help and was auctioned off to cook a ‘behind the scenes’ five-course dinner in the Convention Centre kitchen. Ross’s culinary skills and winning smile collected $3,600 for Starship - making him the highest auction prize of the day”.

Other highlights from the action packed Brunch included a fashion show, a presentation by designer and businesswoman Annah Stretton, a hip-hop dance performance and a silent auction.

Designers on show included John Zimmerman, Annah Stretton, Lucie Boshier Couture, Modes, La Cigale, James & August, Karen Millen, Susan Brown Lingerie, Icebreaker and Pumpkin Patch.

If you would like to donate to Starship Children’s Hospital go to www.starship.org.nz

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Event Details:
Date: Sunday August 26 2007
Time: 10.00am-2.00pm
Venue: SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre

For further information please contact:
Name: Kelle Taylor, Communications Executive, SKYCITY Auckland
Phone: +64 9 363 6419
Fax: +64 9 363 6323
Mobile: +64 (0)21 685 069
E-mail: kelle.taylor@skycity.co.nz