Bringing a slice of Cuba to Mackay, the 2023 Mayor’s Charity Ball officially launched last Friday with the theme of Havana Nights.
There will be plenty of lush greenery at the MECC on Saturday, May 6 and the night promises to be “hot, hot, hot” on the dance floor, with the award-winning Salsa Kingz Band playing.
Mayor Greg Williamson said Havana Nights was the room theme for the Ball.
“Those attending will feel like they’ve taken a trip to Cuba for the night,’’ he said.
But the dress code for the Ball remained formal, Mr Williamson confirmed.
“It isn’t a fancy dress event, but ball-goers should feel free to accessorise to add to the Havana Nights feel,’’ he said.
This year’s ball will raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), to assist with operational costs of the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay, as well as Australian Street Aid Project, a Mackay charity in urgent need of funds to help support people experiencing homelessness.
It is the second year of sponsorship for the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay, with Australian Street Aid replacing HeartKids Mackay, which has dropped out following its two years of tenure.
Australian Street Aid Project (ASAP) was established in 2018 by Mackay nurse Kayleigh Brewster.
She said the organisation had in recent months seen a dramatic increase in presentations of people experiencing homelessness in Mackay.
“Many of these people have one or more unmet medical needs,” Ms Brewster said.
“Homelessness is an isolating and scary experience, and chronic or acute pain contributes to both the difficulty of the journey and the feeling of hopelessness in finding a pathway out.
“This funding will directly impact the lives of many disadvantaged people in our community, and we are delighted to be beneficiaries of this year's Mayors Charity Ball.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia CEO, Tamara South, extended her sincere thanks to Mayor Williamson for council’s continued commitment to local families, who call upon the Charity in their greatest time of need.
“Our heartfelt thanks to Mayor Greg Williamson and Mackay Regional Council for their continued and extraordinary support,’’ she said.
“Funds raised from the generous community of local sponsors and attendees of this year’s event will help to ensure that RMHC North Australia continues to be there to support Mackay regional families when they need it most.”
Channel 7 fishing personality Scotty Hillier returns as Emcee again this year and there will also be the usual gala charity auction.
WHAT: 2023 Mayor’s Charity Ball
WHERE: The MECC
WHEN: Saturday, May 6
TICKETS: themecc.com.au
Mayor Greg Williamson, sporting a Fedora hat, at last week’s launch with representatives of 2023 Mayor’s Ball charity recipients Samantha Lee (right), of Ronald McDonald House, and Kayleigh Brewster, of Mackay’s Australian Street Aid Project
