INDEPENDENT NEWS

A Skylight Night raises $40,000 for Skylight

Published: Mon 24 Nov 2008 10:42 AM
A Skylight Night raises $40,000 for Skylight


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Yulia


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Chaz Cummings, winner of New Zealand's Got Talent
News Release 24 November 2008
SKYLIGHT’S SHINING NIGHT
The generosity of Wellingtonians was confirmed at a fundraising event held on Friday at the Duxton Hotel that saw a charity auction raise more than $40,000 for Skylight.
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.
The cabaret style black tie event, billed A Skylight Night, featured performances from well known Russian-born singer Yulia, and the winner of New Zealand’s Got Talent, Chaz Cummings.
Mrs Bice Awan, Skylight’s Chief Executive says “A Skylight Night was such a wonderful event; I am delighted with how well it was received and have already been asked about next year!
“When we raised more than $40,000 from the auction, we were simply blown away. Despite these tough times, the generosity of our guests shone through. It was simply a magical night.”
Among the items auctioned by Ian Paterson of Just Paterson Real Estate were a trip for two to Beijing, China, that went for more than $13,000, a day at Mercedes Boomrock, a stay at Huka Lodge, accommodation packages for the Marlborough Sounds and Ti Point, a week staying in the Florida Keys and a trip for two to England, which included lunch with the Director of the famed Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London.
Wayne Mowat of Radio New Zealand, and Skylight’s Patron, Dame Kate Harcourt shared MC duties for the evening. Guests throughout the evening were treated to a sparkling array of entertainment from Yulia, Chaz Cummings – who more than showed he was the deserving winner of New Zealand’s Got Talent, The Willow Singers, as well as two dance numbers performed by members of the Wellington Performing Arts Centre. All of the performances were arranged by Capital Theatre Productions and the performers donated their time and talent to support Skylight.
“So many people made A Skylight Night possible, and I want to express my gratitude to all involved, to our sponsors; in particular Wellington City New World and Elephanta, those wonderful individuals and organisations who donated auction items and to all of those who attended. All ensured the success of the evening.
“The money raised from the event will go towards providing our services to the many people that need our support.
“We are hoping to make A Skylight Night an annual event, and look forward to seeing more familiar faces at next year’s event,” says Bice Awan.
ENDS
Each year, Skylight directly helps more than 5,000 young people and their families around New Zealand, including more than 900 children, young people and their families in Wellington, Hutt Valley and Porirua. Skylight’s services include counselling, support groups, training and professional development, advocacy, and books and other information from its extensive resource library. Travellers, a schools-based programme for year nine pupils, is another Skylight initiative.
www.skylight.org.nz

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