By JONATHON HOWARD
HUMANITARIAN organisation Free to Shine Ltd has announced the date and location of the 2014 Masquerade Ball to benefit girls in Cambodia at risk of being targeted by traffickers.
The event will be held on Saturday 16 August at the stunning South Pacific Resort and Spa Noosa, 179 Weyba Road, Noosaville.
Event organiser Jan Carey said the decadent evening of masks and mystery would begin at 7.30pm with a glass of champagne and canapes while enjoying the live sounds of PlanB Jazz.
“Guests will then receive a light meal, before dancing the night away with DJ Warren Read (All Stars DJ),” she said.
“During the night, guests can take part in the raffle and silent auction, purchase a mystery mask and win a prize, or have some fun with the photobooth.”
Ms Carey said Free to Shine was founded in Australia by Kylie Anderson who worked in collaboration with communities and local governments in Cambodia so that girls can reach their full potential and contribute to their community and the world.
“The girls enrolled in our program receive a uniform and a bike, a bag filled with books and pens, and regular visits by our Education Outreach officers who keep her in school and keep her safe. We empower with an education to prevent sex trafficking,” Ms Anderson said.
“The mask symbolises those girls who remain enslaved, whose faces we don’t see.”
Guests were asked to select a colourful mask to symbolise the girls’ strong character and bright personalities.
“We believe girls should be in schools, not brothels, so all proceeds go to enrol more girls onto our scholarship program thus receiving the opportunity and her human right to be free to shine,” Ms Anderson said.
Cost is $60 per person. For more information regarding the masquerade ball or to purchase tickets, visit www.freetoshine.org/get-involved/masquerade or drop into Kobomo at Noosa Village Shopping Centre, where tickets are available for purchase.
