Lake Taupō Hospice’s Passion for Fashion event on Friday night (August 21) was so successful that organisers are already thinking what can they add next year.
The event, billed as a Rewind to the '80s! A Night of Fashion, Live Music, Entertainment and Shopping, was an amazing show, says Georgie Day, Taupō Hospice Shop retail operations manager.
“It was a community spirited event, and just to create awareness, but we did manage to make some money out of it as well, mainly from selling all the wonderful clothes afterwards… it was amazing. People are raving about it, so we can't wait till next year already.”
So keen were some attendees to get their hands on the thrifted fashion on show that Day says they were running to try to get them from the models as they finished on the catwalk.
“It was really cool so and we've got some good ideas to bring into it next year as well.”
In terms of funds raised, Day says she has worked it out roughly at around $2,000.
“It was mainly on the sales of the clothes, because tickets were only $10… and to sell that amount of clothes in less than an hour was pretty amazing.”
All the feedback has been positive she says.
She thanked all the local models who “strutted their stuff” and engaged with the crowd. Despite leading busy lives, they had all given up time for fittings, outfit changes, dress rehearsals and the big night itself.
The models were selected from a wide cross section of the local community ranging in age from 18 to 77, and included artists, businesspeople, a radio DJ, students, educators and musicians.
Local businesses also got in behind the event sponsoring prizes or assisting with equipment.
Event co-ordinator Connie Takarangi says a lot of hard work was also put in by an incredible team at the Taupō Hospice shop of staff and volunteers who prepared for weeks, then volunteered their time on the day creating space in the shop and hosting the event in the evening.
“Tickets were sold out almost two weeks before the show,” says Takarangi.
And the audience really got into the spirit of the dress up theme of 80’s Glam Rock spurred on by a competition for the best dressed.
“Dropping into the Hospice shops to get their outfits… then on the night wow, with flashes of neon, fluro, double denim, heavy rock and punk all making an appearance.
“We want to thank everyone that supported and attended the event, it takes a community to come together in such a positive way.”
The evening was hosted by Sean Wakelin with entertainment by BLISS Band and F.U.S.H. (Fairly Unhinged Stage Hoggers).
Proceeds from purchases made on the night will go towards providing free palliative care, supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most challenging moments.
Photos: Olivia Moore/That Green Olive
