THE glitz and glamour of Bollywood set The Barn Palais dance floor alight on Saturday when more than 500 people helped raise over $50,000 for the Mount Gambier Hospital’s cramped renal dialysis unit.
The sold-out Bollywood Ball provided guests with an exciting evening of colour, dance, music, celebration and community spirit.
With plenty of generous business representatives and individuals present, the hospital’s first major fundraiser in over 10 years was deemed a huge success.
Dedicated fundraising duo Tersea Bueti and Maureen Kintberg teamed up over many months to finally bring the event to fruition.
Ms Klintberg said fundraising for the city’s hospital would not stop at the Bollywood Ball.
“We have started a trend with this event and we hope to host a ball on an annual or bi-annual basis,” she said.
“Events like this keep the profile of the hospital in the community’s vision.
“It is an opportunity for people to have a good time while supporting the hospital and its various projects or necessities.”
The Mount Gambier Hospital’s renal dialysis unit has been descried as the worst in the state and, with the demand increasing, Ms Klintberg and her committee were determined to “do something”.
“It was such a great night and we are very proud of what we have achieved, our sold-out event brought the community together and shone a much-needed light on the hospital,” Ms Klintberg said.
“Now we are busy formalising structures of the event for people to identify with.
“We are very enthusiastic and need to ensure we build on our part for the future so we can hold more functions and embrace all ages in our community.”
The exact dollar figure is yet to be determined, but Ms Klintberg highlighted some memorable moments from the event.
Rotary Club of Mount Gambier president John Waters made a special presentation on the night, donating $10,000 on behalf of the club to the cause.
The auction raised $6300, however a generous Mount Gambier businessman donated a further $3700 to bring the total to $10,000.
A selection of South East businesses and individuals donated a variety of prizes for the auction, which raised $1938 on the night.
The event celebrated a number of milestones, including the Mount Gambier Hospital’s 20th anniversary and The Barn Palais’ 80th Anniversary.
Guests were treated to a memorable performance by The Barn Big Band which featured iconic vocalists, including legendary crooner Denis McNamee.
Denis charmed the crowd with his smooth vocals and stage presence while couples filled the dance floor, twirling and gliding in time to the music.
A highlight of the evening was an impressive Bollywood dance spectacular performed by a troupe featuring hospital staff, media personalities and Local Government representatives.
“The dancing was amazing, everyone really enjoyed themselves – it was such a special night,” Ms Klintberg said.
“The most rewarding part was seeing our staff entwined in the community and just having a ball.
“It was a great atmosphere with a mix of age groups, we were so privileged to have so many wonderful people and special guests join us.”
Raffle winners on the night included Brenton Conlon, Anne Saunders, Marlene Bowd, Lesley Braithwaite, Tony Brown, Emily Wood and Andrew Liddmore.
