Guests have a ball for worthy cause

Close to $100,000 was raised for Muscular Dystrophy Queensland at the 21^st Ray White Surfers Paradise Charity Ball on Saturday evening, with generous Gold Coasters digging deep for big ticket auction items.

Two seven night summer vacations to Tuscany sold for $15,000 each while $7,500 was raised for a five night romantic escape to Paris.

Holidays appeared to be the flavour of the night, with a Koh Samui vacation and two week cruise to New Zealand also selling under the hammer for more than $10,000 collectively.

The money adds to a pool of close to $3 million raised for Muscular Dystrophy Queensland over the Ball’s history, according to RWSP Group CEO Andrew Bell.

Mr Bell said the event was one of the best in its history, with an upbeat atmosphere conducive to generous bidding.

“There was a lot of goodwill on the evening – people came to let their hair down and have a great time but the real reason we were there was not lost on anyone,” he said.

“The money raised will go to Muscular Dystrophy Queensland which they will use for research for a cure and financial support for sufferers of the disease.”

Mr Bell said the evening’s entertainment, headlined by X-Factor star Dami Im and supported by Divine Music, was a highlight for guests.

“We tend to shy away from big headline acts to make sure we can channel as much money to Muscular Dystrophy as possible, but both Dami and Divine absolutely raised the roof,” he said.

“The whole evening, right down to the food and beverages, was outstanding.

“The organising team should be commended for once again raising the bar for what has become an iconic social fundraising event for the Gold Coast.”

More than 500 guests packed out the Grand Ballroom at the Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa on Saturday.

The Group will now turn its attentions to its next charity event, the V8 Supercars in Business lunch, to raise funds for the Surfers Paradise and Southport Surf Life Saving Clubs.

Held in conjunction with V8 Supercars, the event will fall ahead of the Castrol EDGE Gold Coast 600 on October 23.

It will be staged at Jupiters Hotel and Casino. A table of ten costs $1,500 and enquiries can be made through Selena Carson on (07)5584 9451 or at s.carson@rwsp.net.