Dance for rescue helicopter
Raybern Entertainment is about to put on another do for the helicopter crew.
For the last three years the business, run by Ray and Berna Hayward, has organised an annual fundraising event for the Taranaki Community Rescue Helicopter Trust. On October 8 they’ll do it again.
‘‘When we set out we decided we wanted to give something back to the community,’’ Ray said. ‘‘So we looked at different organisations and it really just became a no-brainer that the helicopter trust would be the one that we supported.’’
In previous years Raybern Entertainment has put out a call to the community for entertainers, but this year it’s different.
‘‘Last year we decided we wanted to add in a bit of a dance element to it. That was so successful and so well received that this year we decided we were going to maximise that.’’
The show is called Let’s Dance and will feature many dance styles including ballroom, Latin, cabaret, hip hop, rock and roll, and belly dancing. Performers include The Funky Kids, 5th Element, New Plymouth Rock and Roll Club and Tansi Productions.
‘‘We’re not just saying to people, ‘come and watch’. There’s going to be a half time and in that half hour people are going to be able to dance themselves.’’
Mrs Brown (Morris West) is the emcee for the night, Just Us are the vocal entertainers, and there’ll be spot prizes.
It will be held on Saturday, October 8 at the New Plymouth Club from 7.30pm. Tickets cost $30 from New Plymouth Club, Raybern Entertainment, Taranaki Event Specialists, and Junk In The Trunk in Stratford.
Last year the show raised almost $3000. All proceeds from the night go to the helicopter trust because of sponsorship from many businesses around the region. ‘‘It might be our name at the top of the billboard, but at the end of the day there’s a lot of people involved in putting this together and we’re extremely grateful for their support,’’ Ray said.
Helicopter trust general manager Andy Cronin said they relied heavily on community support to keep the operation running smoothly.
‘‘We’re incredibly grateful to Ray and his team and for everyone who takes part and supports and donates. We hope people have a great night,’’ he said.