News Release 12 November 2008
Skylight's Starry Night
A charity fundraising event for Skylight being held on Friday November 14 promises to be an entertaining night for all,
with a cabaret show that includes performances by two stars - Russian-born Yulia, and Chaz Cummings, winner of New
Zealand’s Got Talent.
The amazing performers for the night have been arranged by Capital Theatre Productions, and encompass music, theatre and
dance. Pazzazz, I am Woman, dancers from the Wellington Performing Arts Centre and The Willow Singers will also be
performing at ‘A Skylight Night’, a charity event that will support Skylight’s programmes.
Skylight, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, is the Wellington-based charitable organisation that provides
unique support to children, young people and their families/whānau through trauma, change, loss and grief.
Yulia’s personal story resonates strongly with the work of Skylight. Yulia spent the first 16 years of her life in
Volgograd, Russia, where she experienced domestic violence, the loss of a close friend from gunshot wounds, and numerous
nearby bombings.
Yulia says, “I grew up knowing fear, and at school, I often felt discriminated against because I was working class and
the injuries I sustained in an accident made me look different.
“Every day I was frightened and my self-esteem plummeted. For me, physical and verbal abuse was the norm, at home and at
school.”
Skylight’s support for children, young people and their families means a lot to Yulia and she is happy to do her bit to
help.
“The effects of my Russian life are still felt, I am afraid of being alone and darkness. Knowing that an organisation
like Skylight exists is important to me, and for this reason, I could not be prouder to be part of A Skylight Night, and
to advocate on behalf of this wonderful organisation.”
Recently named winner of the prestigious television show New Zealand’s Got Talent, 16 year old Chaz Cummings is a
student at the Variety Dance Centre, Silverstream.
A Skylight Night is a black tie event and is being held at the Duxton Hotel. Skylight’s Patron, Dame Kate Harcourt will
share MC duties with Radio New Zealand’s Wayne Mowat. Ian Paterson, of Just Paterson Real Estate, will be the
auctioneer.
Up for grabs in the auction is an overseas trip to China, an artist’s retreat in Key West, a three day stay at a bach in
the Marlborough Sounds, a week at Ti Point overlooking the Whangateau Harbour, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Royal
New Zealand Ballet tickets, artwork by Yelena Barbalich, a personal caricature by Tom Scott, a personal performance by
local band Chocolat, and Harley Davidson and Mercedes Boomrock experiences.
ENDS