The Grocery Charity Ball 2004

The 2004 Grocery Charity Ball was held in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of New Zealand.
Cystic Fibrosis is the most common life-threatening disease affecting caucasian children in New Zealand, and currently there are more than 350 sufferers in the country. It is not contagious, but an inherited disorder caused by both the child’ parents being carriers of an abnormal gene.

Cystic Fibrosis causes the mucus in our bodies to become very thick and sticky, blocking the tubes and ducts to our various organs. Air passages in the lungs become blocked, trapping bacteria and causing shortness of breath, a chronic cough and repeated infections – leading to irreversible lung damage and even death.

Cystic Fibrosis is currently treated by intensive daily chest physiotherapy. enzyme replacement medication, and antibiotics when necessary. However, despite the fact that these treatments do prolong the lives of sufferers, there is still no cure for the disease.

Held at the Hyatt Regency in Auckland on Friday 13th August, the 2004 Grocery Charity Ball raised $100,000 in support of Cystic Fibrosis – providing funds for research into new treatments, support for families affected by the illness, and laptop computers for sufferers - enabling them to take up the educational opportunities we take so much for granted. For more information about Cystic Fibrosis or to make a donation, visit the association’s website here.

Watched by fellow Grocery Charity Ball Trustee Scott MacKay, Don Graham hands over a cheque for $100,000 to Kate Russell, General Manager of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of New Zealand.

Annual Grocery Charity Ball

After the coldest week in many a year, revellers at the annual Grocery Charity Ball let off steam at one of the best Balls in the past eight years. Perhaps it was the masquerade theme that kept many guests incognito, maybe it was a sign that the recession is over, or maybe it was a reaction to it snowing in Auckland; whatever it was, people had an absolute ball.

Once again, an amazing sum of money was raised during the evening - $235,000. This year the beneficiary was The Hearing House. The funds raised from the 2011 Grocery Charity Ball will help deaf and hearing-impaired children reach their full social and academic potential by ensuring they can listen and speak at the same level as their hearing peers.

Masked revellers took advantage of the Grocery Charity Ball Photobooth iPhone App to upload their pictures, and at times it was difficult to get people away from the Silent Auction tables, such was the interest shown for the many great items on display.

The hilarious Dai Henwood was an interesting choice as Master of Ceremonies and his wicked sense of humour went down well with particular sections of the audience and not just those who may have been over imbibing.

Craig Davson and Heather Brocket lived up to their reputation as stunning entertainers, with outstanding performances of some old favourites.

The evening saw the crowd open their wallets,and this year’s Ball took the accumulated grants made by the Grocery Charity Ball Trust over the last eight years to just under $2million.

This is a remarkable tribute to the grocery industry, and positions the Grocery Charity Ball as New Zealand’s most ‘giving’ charity evening. Both The Hearing House and the Trustees have been humbled by the industry’s continued generosity.

“Another great success,” said Grocery Charity Ball Trust Chairman, Don Graham. “The support the industry gives the Ball is unbelievable”

You can see photos of the ball at the Grocery Charity Ball Photo Stream by clicking here. Or view the official photo's on the QuikPix website.