The Grocery Charity Ball 2005

The 2005 Grocery Charity Ball was held in support of Project K.

Developed in 1995 by New Zealanders Graeme Dingle and Jo-anne Wilkinson, Project K is now run in schools throughout New Zealand. The unique programmes are designed to inspire 13-15 year olds to reach their potential through building self-esteem, promoting good health and education, and teaching life skills such as goal-setting and teamwork.

The success of Project K is constantly evaluated and the results are spectacular. ‘Graduates’ of the programme achieve a strong sense of purpose and an increase in self-worth.

Project K can only be achieved with the financial support of many people, including corporates, trusts and foundations, central and local government, schools and individuals. To remove any financial impediment to taking part, programmes are delivered at no cost to students and their families.

Founders of Project K, Graeme Dingle and Jo-anne Wilkinson.

Held at the Auckland SkyCity Convention Centre on Friday 19th August, the 2005 Grocery Charity Ball raised more than $150,000 in support of Project K – including the funding of 25 mentors. For more information about Project K or to make a donation, visit the Project K website here.

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.