The Sunshine Coast's newest event centre and an iconic Australian author are two of the many additions confirmed for this year's Mayoral Ball which will be held on Saturday 17 August.
The new Sunshine Coast Convention Centre at the Novotel Twin Waters will host the exclusive white tie event with Peter FitzSimons AM confirmed as the special guest as he shares his behind the stories of the lives of the many people behind his 34 published books.
Organised by SunnyKids to raise funds for a number of community purposes, the Mayoral Ball has become one of the most iconic charitable fund-raising events on the Sunshine Coast.
"A total of $250,000 has been raised over the past three Mayoral Ball events which has benefited a number of local causes," said Sunnykids Founder and CEO Chris Turner.
"That's a tremendous amount of money and we are really excited with what this year offers as it will be one of the first major events held at the new Sunshine Coast Convention Centre at Twin Waters.
"This year, iconic Australian author, media commentator and former representative rugby union player Peter FitzSimons AM will be the special guest at the Mayoral Ball.
"Peter's reputation in sporting, literary, political and social circles ensures he will be a highly engaging and thought-provoking speaker.
"Peter has very kindly donated his fee from this event to The Footpath Library, a charity which provides books to people who don't have access to good quality reading material," Chris said.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said the Mayoral Ball continues to be an outstanding opportunity for people to come together, enjoy great company and entertainment and support a number of worthwhile community endeavours.
"The Mayoral Ball is all about looking good, feeling good and doing good," Mayor Jamieson said.
"To have Peter FitzSimons sharing his stories and insights, will make the evening all the more memorable and we are delighted at his thoughtful gesture to donate his fee for the evening to another worthy cause, The Footpath Library.
"Giving back to the community is what this event is ultimately all about and Peter's actions are right in line with what the Mayoral Ball seeks to achieve.
"The previous Mayoral Balls have raised a substantial amount of funds for a number of community organisations and charities – some of which do not have the capacity to undertake an event of this magnitude.
"The positive feedback I receive after this event every year is a credit to the Mayoral Ball Committee members and their dedication to making this event so extraordinary and a staple on the Sunshine Coast's event calendar.
"While we never have any issues selling tickets to the Ball, by giving guests the option of booking different table sizes as well as individual tickets to this year's event, we hope this will be more appealing to a wider audience.
"So, I encourage everyone interested in attending the Mayoral Ball to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment".
SunnyKids Charity Manager Deb Battaligni-Clarke said this year's event would include a white tie dress code to elevate the style and grace of the event, while locally sourced produce would be included in the customised menu.
"Guests can book a table of six, eight, ten, twelve or eighteen people to suit their requirements, while individual tickets can also be purchased.
"The Mayoral Ball sold out six weeks early last year and while we have a bigger venue this year, we encourage people to book early to ensure they get the best tables on offer," Deb said.
