Glitz, glamour and goodwill came together for a heart-warming cause last Saturday, as Broken Ballerina Inc. hosted its annual 2024 Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Beautiful Charity Ball at the Mackay Turf Club.
Guests arrived in the early evening, gathering in the picturesque garden area before being welcomed into the grand ballroom at 6pm. Attendees were greeted with complimentary drinks and the sight of a glamorous pink carpet leading them into a beautifully decorated space.
The ballroom itself was a vibrant display of bright pink, black and white to represent the colours of the organisation, creating an atmosphere both elegant and full of life.
A delicious alternate drop of entrees and mains were served, and later guests indulged in Jules’ famous homemade cupcakes for dessert.
The event was graced by several notable figures from the region, including Cr Alison Jones, Labor candidate for Mackay Belinda Hassan, Member for Mackay Julianne Gilbert MP, LNP candidate for Mackay Nigel Dalton and former Whitsunday Mayor Julie Hall.
As the night unfolded, excitement filled the air, particularly during a live performance by Raise Your Glass: Australian P!nk vs Gaga Tribute. The energetic performance had everyone on their feet, dancing and singing along to iconic hits like P!nk’s U + Ur Hand and Lady Gaga’s Telephone. The vibrant energy in the room was contagious, with the dance floor full of smiles all around.
From gardening packages to luxury salon and beauty treatments, The 2024 Broken Ballerina Charity Ball had incredible raffle prizes, worth a total value of over $7,000.
The best was saved until last, with a lively auction that had guests diving deep into their pockets and purses in support of domestic violence victims in the region.
Among the most sought-after auction items were a bright pink acoustic guitar signed by local musician Bella Mackenzie, framed posters of P!nk and Lady Gaga with a microphone and signed letters of authenticity…and the most admired of all… a pair of signed boxing gloves from former Australian professional boxer Jeff Fenech. The highest bidder also secured a once-in-a-lifetime experience - a personal dinner with Fenech at his home, complete with a tour of his legendary man cave.
Throughout the night, there was no shortage of fun, laughter and heartfelt moments, but beyond the glamour and entertainment, the true purpose of the evening was to raise funds for Broken Ballerina Inc. and the vital work that Founders Jules and Pete Thompson do for domestic violence survivors in the region.
Broken Ballerina Inc. is a non-for-profit charitable organisation that relies on community donations and business sponsors to continue their mission of helping victims flee domestic violence. Despite receiving no government funding, its approach is like no other in the region, delivering a heart-to-heart service where they are able to offer not just support on a personal level, but also provide essential items such as self-care necessities, food, car repair services and even accommodation, depending on the client’s needs.
Local QPS domestic and family violence representative, Tamara Cook said, “Broken Ballerina provides invaluable services and resources to those escaping domestic violence.
“Their ability to continue this support relies on contributions from business and donations from their community.
“Thank you to those who have already provided donations and continue to do so.”
Kim Tower, Marketing Manager of Broken Ballerina Inc. and the event's MC on the night, praised the team's dedication, calling their passion and hard work truly commendable.
“What Jules and Pete do is amazing…but no one sees what goes on behind the scenes… whether it be food, fuel, groceries, getting their car serviced, even flights to get these people in need out of town, that’s what Broken Ballerina does, and they do it instantly.
“The passion that these guys have and the work and effort that these guys put into everything they do is truly commendable.”
Should you wish to donate, sponsor through your business, or are in need of services, please visit www.brokenballerina-inc.com.au
Glamour meets goodwill at the 2024 Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Beautiful Charity Ball hosted by Broken Ballerina Inc. at the Mackay Turf Club. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara