Appeal has licence to party
FAMOUS British fictional spy James Bond has been chosen as the inspiration for the FiveStar Chefs for Charity Gala Banquet – the signature fundraising event for the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal to be held on July 23.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning was not present to officially launch the appeal himself. That duty fell on the dapper shoulders of Acting Mayor Terry James, who mixed plenty of classic 007 metaphors, but wasted the opportunity to introduce himself as James, Terry James.
“The Christmas Appeal has been a longstanding event, which last year raised enough money to put out 700 hampers for those needy families, who have been doing it tough. We expect this year’s event will sell out in no time,” he said.
The appeal raised more than $69,000 in the past two years. Cr James will be happy if another $50,000 is raised in 2022.
“This event will benefit the community that’s been through tough times,” he said.
“Cairns is now on the mend, things are about to take off again, so why not start with a decent party.”
The Pullman Reef Hotel Casino will host the Bondthemed gala dinner. General manager Wayne Reynolds believes the event will draw business closer to the community and is aiming for an ambitious fundraising target of $86,000. “It’s a great honour to be a part of this,” he said.
A fund-raising auction will accompany the four-course gala dinner. Cr James confirmed that a trip to Darwin, including return flights and accommodation, is up for grabs.
Tickets, $170 each, can be purchased via eventbrite.