A charity dinner with a difference

Dress for Success Bay of Plenty president, Michelle Pleydell. Photo / Supplied

The Bay of Plenty community is encouraged to enjoy a night in with family and friends next month to raise money for Dress for Success's latest fundraising event, Dine 4 Success.

Founded in 2012, Dress for Success is a non-profit organisation which helps disadvantaged women and men to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional work appropriate attire, and development tools to help individuals thrive personally and professionally.

Relying on donations, grants, and fundraising to keep their work going, Dress for Success Bay of Plenty president Michelle Pleydell says the charity is seeking hosts in the region to hold a dinner party with their family and friends to raise funds for this important cause.

"Cuisine will be supplied by the host, while our foundation sponsor, Lion will be providing the wine and beer for the occasion, creating a delicious evening of food, wine and good conversation. A recipe for a great dinner party.

"We are thrilled Lion has come on board as a sponsor to support this event."

The charity is hoping to have 300 people dining across the Bay of Plenty on Saturday October 13.

Guests will be asked to donate $50 (or more) to attend the event.

"Dining on the same evening, while not all together, makes it feel like we are united in making a difference to our local community," Pleydell says.

"Kiwis love to entertain and with spring upon us, this is a great time to shake off winter and enjoy one of the first dinner parties of the season.

"An event of this nature means each host can put his or her spin on the event, dressing up formally, or casual dining – whatever suits the diners."

To register as a host for Dine 4 Success, text Katie Neeley at (021) 0287 0062, or message their Facebook page, Dress for Success Bay of Plenty, with "Dine 4 Success" followed by your name, phone number and email address.