MORE than 100 local women came together on Saturday at the fifth Bling for the Girls Cocktail party fundraiser to celebrate International Women’s Day in fine Moroccan style.
The event raised a massive $26,000 for the Burnside UnitingCare Kids Can, Women Can program and the Hastings Women and Children’s Refuge.
The Bling the Kasbah Moroccan-themed event was staged at the home of committee member Suzie Barnaby. For the occasion her home was transformed into a Bedouin tent with a stunning swath of rich gold, fuchsia and burnt orange fabrics overlaid with Moroccan lanterns, beaded cushions and daybeds.
Invited guests dressed in theme with an amazing collection of bright colours and Moroccan-inspired beading the order of the day.
“The girls looked amazing in stylish takes on a gorgeous, exotic theme,” volunteer organising committee member Jane Hillsdon said.
“And more importantly, their generosity was astounding. We were thrilled to raise $26,000 and know that every cent will have a direct impact in helping women in Port Macquarie who are escaping the devastating impact of domestic violence.”
Burnside UnitingCare Kids Can, Woman Can program founder Marie Atkinson said they were completely overwhelmed by the money raised.
“And the nice thing is that 100 per cent of the funds raised will stay in this area, going straight to help local women,” she said.
All who attended embraced the women-helping-women ideal of the event, purchasing raffle tickets and mystery boxes and bidding on nearly $10,000 of silent auction prizes. To date the five Bling for the Girls events have raised $91,000.
Some of the funds from the Bling the Kasbah event will be used to introduce the Burnside Kids Can, Women Can program to Port Macquarie, and some will go to the Hastings Women and Children’s Refuge to help with further renovation works.
