Red Cross ball brings glamour to the rock

Cook Islands Red Cross is giving locals the chance to dress up to the nines in what they hope will be the most glamorous event on the rock this year. Cook Islands Red Cross (CIRC) resource development coordinator Mata Hetland said that to celebrate 25 years of the society and in conjunction with the country's 50 years of self-governing celebration, they will be holding a ball at Nautilus Resort Rarotonga on July 4. Ladies are encouraged to don 'something red' – which is the theme of the ball – and men are asked to wear tuxedos for the high-class affair. The funds raised from the ball will go to the work of the Red Cross locally, as Hetland says there are a number of local initiatives the society would like to take. It is also a chance for locals and business people to form a relationship with Red Cross. “And it's one day this year where people can be really glamorous,” said Hetland. She also said people can 'feel good' that the $100 cost of individual tickets will go to supporting CIRC. “There have been instances where CIRC has been the lead agency in disaster response,” said Hetland. She said just one of many examples was the dengue fever outbreak in 2009, when the CIRC assisted funding for mosquito nets, sprays, roll-ons, coils, as well as programmes to clean steams. For 25 years the Cook Islands government has been working in close relationship with the Cook Islands Red Cross especially in the areas of disasters and health, and 50th celebrations steering committee chairman Nick Henry said the government is donating $10,000 to CIRC for the duration of 2015. “...whether we need to spend this all on the Charity ball to make it a success depends on additional private sector support,” said Henry. “One of the legacies of the 50th celebrations is to assist non-government organisations with fundraising efforts that can be replicated in coming years.” One of their roles is to explore the opportunities for securing partnerships with the private sector and in some instances regional and international partners, he said. “Securing sponsorship is about good relationships and long term partnerships,” he said. Hetland said the ball will hold auctions, have an overseas guest artist perform, and hopefully showcase the Miss Cook Islands contestants – all while guests nibble on canapés and sip champagne. In the lead up to the ball, free dance lessons are taking place at Red Cross hall on Monday and Thursday from 6.30pm with George Williams, and anyone is welcome to attend. Both corporate tables and individual tickets to the ball are available through CIRC by calling 22958.