JOIN ‘Team Whitsundays’ Dancing CEOs at a Masquerade Gala Ball, this Saturday, March 15, and help to eradicate Domestic Violence.
But be quick, as ticket sales close at 10pm, on Wednesday, March 12.
Across Australia, one in six women is currently experiencing domestic violence, with many not knowing where to turn for help.
Here in the Whitsundays, this is why Kate Purdie (Coral Sea Marina), Candice Crossley (Whitsunday Transit), Julie Telford (SeaLink Whitsundays) and Dr Alice Harriott (Whitsunday Family Dental) have teamed up as ‘Dancing CEOs’.
Together, they are on a mission to raise funds and awareness for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) – an organisation assisting women to escape abusive situations and rebuild their lives.
As part of their mission, this dynamic quartet is now asking the local community to ‘mask up to make a difference’ at this weekend’s ‘Team Whitsundays Masquerade Gala Ball’.
“We chose the masquerade theme for our next fundraiser specifically because it combines elements of a fabulous night out, such as black-tie-elegance, sophistication and mystery, with added symbolism that’s incredibly relevant to our cause,” Candice Crossley said.
“It’s not lost on us that many women impacted by domestic violence continually mask the horrors they endure and put on a brave face for the rest of the world.
“By collectively masking up ourselves, on March 15, we therefore honour these women and play a part in re-shaping their futures by empowering them with access to the support they need to regain control.”
Julie Telford added that creating this charity gala had only been possible thanks to the generous contributions of an army of sponsors donating to the night.
“It has taken not just a village but an entire community to produce an event of this calibre, so we encourage anyone who has not yet bought a ticket to do so before the cut-off at 10pm on Wednesday, March 12, and join us in making this a sell-out success,” she said.
Arriving at Whitsunday Regional Council’s Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, gala guests will be met by an atmosphere of glitz, glamour and the joy of heartfelt giving.
As the sun sets over the water, serves of FISHI Whitsundays freshly shucked oysters and seafood canapes will circulate, accompanied by the dulcet tones of renowned local musician Josiah, from Whitsunday Entertainment.
With photography by Brooke Miles and videography by Riptide Creative capturing the scene, the party will move from the lower deck to the ballroom, where stunning decor by Shivoo Event Hire awaits, generously sponsored by Vision Surveys, Explore Property Whitsunday and augmented by Restore Sleep Clinic.
The evening’s sit-down main course meal is an alternate drop of succulent salmon and steaks, followed by grazing stations filled with decadent desserts and cheese and charcuterie boards – all lovingly prepared by D’Vine Catering and Events, with support from Whitsunday Food Service.
No one will go thirsty, with a fully stocked bar supplying beer, wine, spirits and cocktails, sponsored by Taste Whitsundays, with assistance from St Bebida Wines.
A separate menu of live and silent charity auctions will flavour the next part of the night, overseen by charismatic MCs and ‘Epic Walk for DV’ founders, Brendan Smith and Brendan Mann, alongside WLSQ Ambassador Marisa Vecchio.
Auction prizes include a full-day superyacht experience on the MV Norseman, donated by Coral Sea Marina Resort owner, Paul Darrouzet, an Axe Throwing Adventure with NRL legend Brett Tate, a Heron Island Turtle Hatching Holiday with Fun Over 50 Holidays, a private dinner at Parliament House donated by Member for Whitsunday and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Amanda Camm, and many more.
At 9pm, ticket sales close on the Whitsunday Escape raffle for a luxury five-night bareboat charter aboard the brand-new Longreach 44 power catamaran, Bella Luna, valued at $13,750.
Whitsunday Escape General Manager Jaclyn Watson said, with only 250 tickets still left to sell, this was an opportunity not to be missed.
“The fact that the winner of this raffle will walk away with the holiday of a lifetime for as little as the $50 ticket price is incredible in itself, but what really matters to us is that everyone who has entered will have made a truly meaningful impact to the lives of thousands of women and children in Queensland, simply by doing so,” she said.
Anyone wanting to buy raffle tickets prior to the gala can visit www.raffletix.com.au/whitsundayluxury2025.
Last but not least, guests will get to dance the remainder of the night away to the sounds of four-piece band ‘The Mojo’, sponsored by Pacific Coast Scaffolding, with all audio-visual production by Airlie Beach Music Centre.
At the end of the night, Whitsunday Transit buses will be on hand to transport everyone home.
Each of the Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs said a special ‘thank you’ was due to Team Mentor and WLSQ Ambassador Katelyn Aslett-Collins, for providing her ‘My Giving Table’ platform as the event booking site and overseeing co-ordination of the entire event.
Tickets cost $250 and are available via www.mygivingtable.com.au/event-details/masquerade-gala-ball.
For more information and online links follow the ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ Facebook page.
FAST FACTS
WHAT: Masquerade Gala Ball
WHERE: Shute Harbour Marine Terminal
WHEN: Saturday, March 15
TIME: 6pm
COST: $250pp
TO BOOK: www.mygivingtable.com.au/event-details/masquerade-gala-ball
TICKET SALES CLOSE: 10pm Wednesday, March 12.
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS:
Coral Sea Marina Resort, Whitsunday Transit, SeaLink Whitsundays, Whitsunday Family Dental, Taste Whitsundays, My Giving Table, Brilliant Media Co, D’Vine Catering and Events, Whitsunday Regional Council, Amanda Camm MP, Vision Surveys, Explore Property Whitsunday, Pacific Coast Scaffolding, Fun Over 50 Holidays, Whitsunday Escape, Shivoo Event Hire, Restore Sleep Clinic, FISHI Whitsundays, Whitsunday Food Service, Whitsunday Entertainment, Life Publishing Group, Brooke Miles Photography, Riptide Creative, Cruise Whitsundays, The Mojo, St Bebida Wines, Airlie Beach Music Centre, Chef Monique, Lake Proserpine Glamping, Wings Sailing Charters Whitsundays, Majestic Art Tattoo, Jay Angel Signs, Whitsunday Private Charters, Adam and Eve Hair, The Fat Frog, Whitsunday News Newspaper.
