Established in 2004, The Grocery Charity Ball Trust runs the premier event on the grocery industry social calendar, directing profits to charitable trusts in New Zealand. This year, the beneficiary of funds raised is nationwide youth development charity, the Graeme Dingle Foundation.
Held at The Cordis Hotel, Auckland, on Saturday 14th of October, over 500 attendees from the Grocery industry are expected to attend in support of the Graeme Dingle Foundation with funding benefitting over 22,000 tamariki who are part of the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s Kiwi Can programme Nationwide.
Kiwi Can is described as an energy-packed primary school programme, aimed at children aged 5 to 12 years teaching values such as integrity and respect, building resilience and delivering fun-filled learning to schools all around the country.
With a worthy cause at its heart, The Grocery Charity Ball features a three course meal, beverages, live entertainment and music with a highly anticipated live auction, the event is set to raise an estimated $200,000 thanks to generous contributions from businesses across the country.
Graeme Dingle Foundation Canterbury General Manager, Sian Neary, said “It has been incredible to see the generosity from many businesses who have contributed to this huge event. We have seen a huge commitment from business throughout New Zealand including Canterbury-born Springfree, who service a global audience with children at the heart of all they do”
“We know our programmes work, and to see that other organisations and businesses are getting behind our tamariki and rangatahi through the Grocery Charity Ball is a great feeling“ said Neary.
From their beginnings in Christchurch over 35 years ago and now delivering to the world, Springfree are contributors of a $2,000 trampoline to the Grocery Charity Ball Auction. General Manager of Springfree, Megan McKenzie, said their contribution means more than just donating a trampoline.
“Our Founder, Dr Keith Alexander, is a true blue Kiwi inventor and a loving dad who wanted his children to feel the same happiness he felt bouncing as a kid. He has a passion for helping people through his craft much like the co-founder of the Graeme Dingle Foundation, Sir Graeme Dingle, who through the charity has dedicated his life to supporting young people to overcome any obstacle” she said.
“With the safety of his, and other children at the forefront of his mind, Dr Alexander was able to revolutionise the standard trampoline structure – overcoming obstacles to succeed. And, after 20 years of successful business throughout the globe Springfree has become a New Zealand icon” she continued.
“We believe kids learn best, when they foster relationships and resilience through play and having fun. Springfree offers every child a platform to acquire new abilities, emphasizing that with perseverance, they can achieve whatever they are determined to master. I see the same values in the programs the Graeme Dingle Foundation provides. Our hope is that by contributing, we can play a small role in creating positive change and bring many joyful moments.” said McKenzie.
Bringing together donations of incredible experiences and items up for grabs at The Grocery Charity Ball, as well as the lure of a night like no other, keen attendees are encouraged to pick up a single ticket or table of ten in support of the cause.
Event organisers say tickets for the annual New Zealand Grocery Charity Ball are selling out fast and encourage anyone who’d like to get behind the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s incredible programmes to get a ticket before they are sold out.
Tickets are available for purchase here at grocerycharityball.org or email tickets@type40.co.nz .
About Springfree
Since 2003, Springfree has delivered the safest trampoline the world has known. Our greatest wish is for all families to have the opportunity to safely create countless memories, countless giggles and smiles. Find out more at www.springfreetrampoline.co.nz.
About the Grocery Charity Ball Trust
Established in 2004, The Grocery Charity Ball Trust runs the premier event on the grocery industry social calendar, directing the profits to charitable trusts in New Zealand.
The annual event is held with the support of both Foodstuffs and Countdown, as well as the New Zealand Food & Grocery Council.
About The Grocery Charity Ball 2023
Date: 14th October 2023
Venue: The Great Room, Cordis Auckland
Time: Pre-dinner drinks at 6.30pm, guest seated 7.00pm sharp
Dress Code: Black Tie
2023 Beneficiary: The Graeme Dingle Foundation
Ticket: $400 + GST
Table of 10: $4000 + GST