The Grocery Charity Ball 2005

The 2005 Grocery Charity Ball was held in support of Project K.

Developed in 1995 by New Zealanders Graeme Dingle and Jo-anne Wilkinson, Project K is now run in schools throughout New Zealand. The unique programmes are designed to inspire 13-15 year olds to reach their potential through building self-esteem, promoting good health and education, and teaching life skills such as goal-setting and teamwork.

The success of Project K is constantly evaluated and the results are spectacular. ‘Graduates’ of the programme achieve a strong sense of purpose and an increase in self-worth.

Project K can only be achieved with the financial support of many people, including corporates, trusts and foundations, central and local government, schools and individuals. To remove any financial impediment to taking part, programmes are delivered at no cost to students and their families.

Founders of Project K, Graeme Dingle and Jo-anne Wilkinson.

Held at the Auckland SkyCity Convention Centre on Friday 19th August, the 2005 Grocery Charity Ball raised more than $150,000 in support of Project K – including the funding of 25 mentors. For more information about Project K or to make a donation, visit the Project K website here.

Charity Ball has raised $1million+

Since the Grocery Charity Ball Trust was set up 5 years ago, over $1million has been raised for New Zealand Charities.

Established in late 2003, the Trust chose Cystic Fibrosis to be the beneficiary of its inaugural charity ball in 2004, and was thrilled at the response from the grocery industry which saw $100,000 raised on the night.

The Trust received over 50 applications from potential beneficiary trusts the following year, all deserving charities for the 2005 Ball. From the applicants, the Trustees selected Project K, and the 2005 Grocery Charity Ball raised $150,000 for this children's development trust.

In 2006, Cure Kids became the recipient of the Ball's fundraising, and the amount raised by the over 600 people who attended doubled to $300,000.

Believing that the 2006 figure would be difficult to eclipse, the Trustees were astonished when the 2007 Ball raised a staggering $500,000 for Life Education - enabling the Trust to fund two new mobile classrooms in the greater Auckland area.

"Although this year's donation of $150,000 to 0800 What's Up and Hearing Dogs For Deaf People is down on the previous couple of years," says Trust chairman Ross MacKenzie "It's still an excellent result in a recessionary economy. It's quite humbling for the Trustees to appreciate that the grocery industry has now donated $1.2million to 6 worthy charities in New Zealand."