ARARAT - In addition to the coup of having both the Victoria Police Show and Pipe Bands perform at the 7th annual Gala Ball this Friday night, the Ararat Branch of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation has its sights set on raising additional funds through the Gala Auction.
The Gala Auction is a big part of the fundraiser and only happens with support of businesses locally, the Foundation and supporting partners from Melbourne and beyond.
This year's auction again will be conducted by well know Melbourne charity auctioneer Phil del Fegely who is expected to entice potential buyers to pick up one or two of the tempting items on the night.
the Items up for grabs include two personally signed copies, by crime writers John Silvester and Anthony Rule, of the Victorian-banned television crime drama Underbelly: The Gangland War, a signed copy of the History of the Essendon Football Club and No 18 jumper by team captain Matthew Lloyd, a Queensland holiday package including accredited accommodation and return flights, two major weekend packages to Melbourne complements of the St Kilda Parkview Hotel and Batman Hill Hotel, and Moonee Valley Race.
In addition the Foundation has donated a set of luggage valued at over $500.
Kimbarra Wines and the Leeke Family have donated the popular Grampians Scenic Flight Package, Mt Langi Ghiran has put up two special Magnums from the private cellar, and Grampians Event Hire has offered four tickets to join their marquee at the Ararat Cup meeting in November.
A highlighted extra for this year will be a special auction item - a camping package - which as been put together by Stawell police officer Narelle Smart with the support of local businesses Safeway, Norma Jean's Hair Salon and MA-KY Design and Homewares. This this will be auctioned to raise funds specifically for Narelle's Kokoda Track fundraising trek which is being supported by the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation.
"The Gala Auction is an important contributor to the Gala Ball proceeds and we are very fortunate to have such great support from the Foundation and businesses who step forward and donate much sort after auction items,'' Ararat Branch member and auction co-ordinator Peter McIntosh said.
"This year due to the generosity we will also have for the first time a silent auction, and of course have offered to assist Narelle by including her auction package which we hope we will be able to assist her fundraiser.''
This year's Gala Ball will continue the Ararat branch's fundraising to support the medical imaging department at the Ararat Hospital.
A limited number of tickets are still available for the Gala Ball, which are $60 per person including a complementary glass and pre drinks, and these can be obtained by contacting Rod McKenzie at the Ararat Performing Arts Centre phone 5352 2880.