Saturday 29 October 2011 was a very special night for this group of revellers - who were glimpsed draping their adornments around the Watt Fountain in Wanganui, New Zealand, before the show.
This project was the culmination of a lot of hard work (and fun) by the members of the Rotary Club of Wanganui Daybreak. The “Last Night of the Proms” concert is run every 2 years by the club with the express purpose of raising money for a youth organisation in the district. It is something that requires a huge amount of teamwork from club members.
The beneficiary of this project was “Life to the Max Trust” based in Wanganui. Life to the Max is a police development programme that started in 1999 after a group of community people became concerned about the increasing rate of youth offending. This group identified the need for a preventative youth at risk initiative and involved key people and organisations to get the organisation formed. This organisation now provides a highly respected and valued social service in the area, working with children and young people.
We were privileged to have attending the Defence Attaché and his wife from the British High Commission, the Mayor of Wanganui, our Rotary District Governor Bob Smith and his wife Margaret, as well as the show's production team and supporting club members. The night was a tremendous success with the public of Wanganui, with all tickets sold and an amazing atmosphere of fun and laughter during the show.
The event was well supported by other clubs in our cluster, whose members attended the show. As you can see from the photo, it has become a local custom to dress up for the show in patriotic colours and costumes – all adding to the atmosphere and enjoyment of the concert.
Our wonderful diva was Jennifer Little from Wanganui, who was supported by prize-winning Brass Wanganui, the Wanganui Highland Pipe Band, our Proms Choir, Evan Huirua and Jodi Mars. Also taking part were Sharyn Underwood's dancers, 4 x 2 singing group, Evan's brother Gary, Keiron Smith playing the cornet so beautifully and, as usual, the fantastic support of members of AMDRAM Theatre and the Friends of the Royal Wanganui Opera House was critical.
The production team has now announced that the proceeds from the night amounted to NZ$13,000 and a presentation made to Life to the Max Trust.
As well as supporting our charity, the concert also supports and benefits local talent and organisations - giving them both the opportunity to perform on stage and by financially supporting and encouraging them.
As a club we are absolutely delighted with this result and encourage other clubs to “have a go” at a project such as this. The public profile was huge and very positive for the Rotary brand.
