Entertainer Tina Cross special guest at The Great Ball fundraiser for Women's Refuge Whanganui

Entertainer Tina Cross will make a cameo appearance at The Great Ball.

New Zealand entertainment industry icon Tina Cross will be a special guest at The Great Ball in Whanganui on August 3.

The Great Ball is a fundraising event for Women's Refuge Whanganui and it is a cause close to Cross' heart. Cross is a national ambassador for Women's Refuge and her single "Walk Away" was written to raise funds and awareness for Women's Refuge.

Sharon Warburton, The Great Ball organising committee chairwoman, said the organisers were "beyond delighted" that Cross would attend The Great Ball in person.

"In 2016 when we played Tina's video message and song just before the live auction, it was a pivotal moment in the evening - complete and total silence and the message of why we were really there became very compelling and, I believe, key to the overwhelming outcome of the auction with $90,000 raised on the night," Warburton said.

"She touched people's hearts.

"Having Tina at the ball, as an ambassador for Women's Refuge nationally, to perform in person will help put the spotlight on the real reason we are there on August 3 even further. Tina is not only an entertainer of national and international acclaim, but a fierce advocate for the work Women's Refuge do in our country. We are honoured she is coming to support the Whanganui community."

Rodger Fox Big Band and Erna Ferry will again provide the entertainment at The Great Ball, with Cross making a cameo appearance.

Cross' career in music, television and musical theatre has spanned more than 30 years. In 2007 she received an ONZM for her services to the New Zealand music industry.

Details about how to buy tickets will be available soon at www.thegreatball.nz or on The Great Ball 2019 Facebook page.