Masquerades, Mystery & Majesty

Anticipation is building ahead of the ‘Team Whitsundays Masquerade Gala Ball’ which is due to take place at the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal next Saturday night.

This is a signature event hosted by the charismatic and dedicated Dancing CEO's, a team of local business women who are determined to raise both money and awareness for he prevention of domestic violence.

Kate Purdie (Coral Sea Marina), Candice Crossley (Whitsunday Transit), Julie Telford (SeaLink Whitsundays), and Dr Alice Harriott (Whitsunday Family Dental), have teamed up as ‘Dancing CEOs’, on a mission to raise funds and awareness for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) – an organisation assisting women to escape abusive situations and rebuild their lives.

As part of their mission, this dynamic quartet is now asking the local community to “mask up to make a difference” at next weekend’s ‘Team Whitsundays Masquerade Gala Ball’.

“We chose the masquerade theme for our next fundraiser specifically because it combines elements of a fabulous night out such as black-tie-elegance, sophistication and mystery, with added symbolism that’s incredibly relevant to our cause,” Candice Crossley explained.

“It’s not lost on us that many women impacted by domestic violence continually mask the horrors they endure and put on a brave face for the rest of the world,” she said.

“By collectively masking up ourselves on March 15, we therefore honour these women and play a part in re-shaping their futures by empowering them with access to the supports they need to regain control.”

Arriving at Whitsunday Regional Council’s Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, gala guests will be met by an atmosphere of glitz, glamour, and the joy of heartfelt giving.

As the sun sets over the water, serves of freshly shucked oysters and seafood canapes will circulate, accompanied by the dulcet tones of renowned local musician, Josiah.

The party will then move from the lower deck to the ballroom, where the evening’s sit-down main course meal will be served, accompanied by a fully stocked bar.

A separate menu of live and silent charity auctions will flavour the next part of the night, overseen by charismatic MC’s and ‘Epic Walk for DV’ founders, Brendan Smith and Brendan Mann, alongside WLSQ Ambassador, Marisa Vecchio.

Auction prizes include a full-day superyacht experience on the MV Norseman, donated by Coral Sea Marina Resort owner, Paul Darrouzet, an Axe Throwing Adventure with NRL legend, Brett Tate, a Heron Island Turtle Hatching Holiday with Fun Over 50 Holidays, a private dinner at Parliament House donated by Member for Whitsunday and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Amanda Camm, and many more.

At 9pm, ticket sales close on the Whitsunday Escape raffle for a luxury five-night bareboat charter aboard the brand-new Longreach 44 power catamaran, Bella Luna, valued at $13,750.

Last but not least, guests will get to dance the remainder of the night away to the sounds of four-piece band ‘The Mojo’, and when the clock strikes midnight, Whitsunday Transit buses will be on hand to transport everyone home.

WHAT: Team Whitsundays Masquerade Gala Ball
WHERE: Shute Harbour Marine Terminal
WHEN: Saturday 15th March

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Candice Crossley and Julie Telford are inviting the Whitsunday community to mask up to make a difference at the Team Whitsundays Masquerade Gala Ball. Photo credit: Sharon Smallwood

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