A Brief History
The Black Tie & Barefoot Ball was the vision of Anne Powell of Bonny Hills. She was inspired by a local group of cancer survivors and decided to do something to help them. The first Black Tie & Barefoot Ball in 2006 was a fantastic success, raising $10,000 - this enabled the Flamin' Dragons Abreast dragon boat team in Port Macquarie to purchase a much needed dragon boat.

The 2007 Ball raised over $21,000 for Lifeline Mid Coast's suicide prevention program and the 2008 Ball raised $30,500 for the Base Hospital's Paediatric Unit. In 2009, seven defibrillator units were purchased for the local community. The beneficiaries for 2010 were the four local surf clubs and in 2011 the Hastings District Rural Fire Service.

The 2012 Ball
The Black Tie & Barefoot Ball will be held on February 11, 2012 in a large marquee positioned adjacent to the beautiful white sand at Rainbow Beach, Bonny Hills NSW. This elegant, black tie event allows those lucky ticket holders to get dressed up and dance barefoot just metres from the sand & surf.

The event is a fund-raising ball, with guests seated at tables of 10. Funds raised are directed to local community groups that need some assistance - in the past these have included Flamin' Dragons Abreast, Lifeline, the Paediatric Unit at the local Base Hospital, the four local surf clubs and Hastings Rural Fire Service.

In 2012 we are supporting the Palliative Care Unit currently being set up at Wauchope Hospital for cancer patients in the Port Macquarie / Wauchope / Camden Haven area. Whilst they receive funding for the wards and beds they would like to furnish the rooms with sofa beds to make it possible for family members to stay if they need to.

The event's Major Sponsor is De Bortoli Wines. Guests enjoy a variety of De Bortoli wines each chosen to complement the delicious three course meal. Beer and softdrinks are also available - all food, drinks and entertainment are included in the ticket price.

Yes, it is literally a barefoot ball - although for safety reasons, we recommend thongs are worn outside the marquee. People caught wearing shoes (or worse, heels) may be finedl!.

Fund-raising is fun and low key. It involves a silent auction which ALWAYS incorporates an array of fabulous (and desirable) goodies, plus Balloon Prizes and a Star Prize raffle.

The generosity of our local business community has been overwhelming, with many, many companies coming on board as donating prizes and gift vouchers. Since the event's inception in 2006 we have raised around $150,000 for local groups in need of support. We would love to hear from any businesses or individuals who can donate items for our fund-raising raffles, silent auction and balloon prizes. If you can help please contact Chris Sheen; phone:0439 353 070.

For more information about the event, click on the Event Fact Sheet below.

If you have any queries regarding any aspects of the event, including ticketing and sponsorship please contact Noleen Turner:
phone 0417 215 221 or email blacktieandbarefootball@gmail.com

2012 Fact Sheet

*BLACKTIE AND BAREFOOT BALL INC. is an Association incorporated in NSW under the Assocations Incorporation Act, 1984.
Incorporation No: INC9884576 ABN 70 601 369 049