Glam 1950s-style event to raise funds for Women's Refuge

FIFTIES VIBE: Channel your 1950s jet set alter-ego at The Cocktail Lounge fundraiser for Women's Refuge Whanganui.

Another glittering event is on the horizon for the Whanganui community, with Women's Refuge Whanganui again stepping up its fundraising activity.

The Great Ball, held in August last year, raised more than $90,000 for the organisation and provided a black tie night of glitz and glam.

"Tickets sold out six weeks before the event," Women's Refuge Whanganui chairwoman Paula Wade said.

"People love to get dressed up to go to a prestige event. It took us eight months to organise the ball which is a huge commitment because we are all volunteers with other jobs. We intend to run the ball biennially because of the time involved in organising it but also because we believe it's better for the community to have such a prestige event to look forward to every two years.

"We're also always aware that other community organisations need to fundraise as we do and there are so many other events happening. However, because of the money we need to keep our refuge operating, we still need to hold an event in the off-year from the ball."

This year's key fundraiser is The Cocktail Lounge, a 1950s-style party with cocktails, retro-styled food and 1950s entertainment, on November 4 at Heritage House.

"We're aiming to raise $30,000 from this event," Ms Wade said.

"It will be a smaller, relaxed event with a lounge vibe and tickets are limited to 160 guests. Tickets are already selling extremely well so people will need to get in fast."

Funds from The Cocktail Lounge will go toward bigger premises for the refuge, which is stretched by increasing client numbers and increasingly complex client needs, as well as continuing the refuge's work with clients.

"Funding will help Women's Refuge Whanganui assist women and children to build lives that flourish and are free from violence," Ms Wade said.

Tickets for The Cocktail Lounge can be ordered via www.thegreatball.nz