Our very own Mayor, Greg Williamson, said he will be channeling his best John Travolta impersonation at this year’s Mayor’s Charity Ball, even if it means his wife, Annette, may disown him. It’s all part of the fun of the disco-inspired theme of this year’s gala event, to be held at the MECC on 14 May.
If you’re feeling hot on the night, fingers crossed it’s not Covid, organisers are asking attendees to channel their inner ‘Saturday Night Fever’ and boogie on the dance floor.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the disco theme should resonate with many of those attending.
“It will be plenty of fun as we raise funds for two great causes,” Mayor Williamson said.
This year’s ball will raise money for HeartKids Mackay, also a recipient last year, and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) to assist with construction and operation of a Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay.
The launch for sponsors and recipients was held on stage in the MECC auditorium last week and tickets for the Ball are now on sale online through www.themecc.com.au.
The Red Tie band, as well as some surprise guests, will help create the disco atmosphere on the night. Emcee will be Channel 7 fishing personality Scotty Hillier.
There will also be the usual gala charity auction.
This 2021 Mayor’s Charity Ball raised nearly $100,000 for charity, split 50-50 between Domestic Violence Resource Service (DVRS) – a recipient for two years – and HeartKids Mackay.
HeartKids Queensland manager Holly Williams said the organisation was thrilled to be a beneficiary of the Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball once again in 2022.
“Following the amazing success of the 2021 Gala, HeartKids was able to employ a support coordinator in Mackay to provide meaningful support to individuals and families within the Mackay HeartKids community, as well as foster strong connections within the local community to increase awareness of congenital heart disease,’’ she said.
“We look forward to increasing our connections within the Mackay HeartKids community throughout 2022 by growing our support opportunities and options for all families impacted by congenital heart disease.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia chief executive officer Tamara South said she sincerely appreciated the generous support the local community had shown for the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay.
“We are delighted by and incredibly grateful for the generous support the entire Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday communities have shown for the Mackay Capital Campaign,” said Ms South.
“The construction of a Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay will make an immense difference to the lives of local families. It will give families with sick or injured kids a place where they can rest and recuperate and enjoy a much-needed break from the clinical environment of the hospital.”
Mayor Williamson said the 2022 event was off to a fantastic start, with corporate sponsorship of about $50,000 locked in.
The Mayor’s Charity Golf Day, hosted by Rotary Club of Mackay and sponsored by Enlightened Financial Solutions, will be held the day before the Ball on Friday, May 13.
Mayor Greg Williamson and representatives of 2022 Mayor’s Charity Ball recipients, Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia Mackay and Whitsundays community engagement executive Samantha Lee (left) and HeartKids Queensland manager Holly Williams, get into the disco spirit at last week’s event launch. Image supplied: Mackay Regional Council
