A Tauranga black-tie masquerade event set to raise support for youth mental health will now be held on August 26.

Organisers Colleen Schumacher, Mel Batchelor, Fee McKellar White and Maria Sisson expect about 300 guests to attend the Masquerade Casino Night, so say it made sense to move it from its original March date to August, due to the current red light Covid restrictions.

Colleen says it is the third time the event has been rescheduled, but they are still confident that the community will rally in support.

'Look on the positive side - it could be even better in winter when there is less to do and we are all craving a night out.”

The glamorous evening will be MC'd by real estate auctioneer and radio host Will Johnston. Singer Mandy Meadows will provide the music, and there will be contemporary dancing.

Guest speakers include Nikki Flexman, CEO of the Mitey program founded by the Sir John Kirwan Foundation.

Mitey provides mental health education for school children aged 5-13 years.

The new event will raise funds specifically for Mount Intermediate School to employ school counsellors.

After the tragic death of Mount Maunganui boy 13-year-old Blake Dalley in 2020, youth in the Mount community have been in dire need of one-on-one counselling, says Melissa Nelson, Mount Maunganui Intermediate School principal/tumuaki.

Melissa will also speak at the event about how youth in the community is in critical need of professional mental health support.

Throughout the evening there will be a live and silent auction.

The Sir John Kirwan Foundation has donated an All Blacks jersey and rugby ball signed by the legendary rugby player himself.

Other prizes include a tailored dinner for eight hosted at a residence of choice, a weekend getaway at a lakeside bach, a private flight in a classic plane, helicopter flight, girls night out, three month's gym membership at a Mount Maunganui gym and more.

Also for auction is the venue hire of the Classic Flyers Hanger, a children's birthday party package at Classic Flyers, and hire of the Classic Flyers conference room.

Colleen Schumacher.

'We are expecting more amazing auction items to flow in now we have extended time to source,” says Colleen.

'If you are interested in supporting this important cause then please go to the Youth Lives Matter Facebook page for further details and contact information.”

Guests will also be able to try their luck at seven gambling tables run by the Tauranga Lions club using 'play' money.

There will be a photobooth to capture all the outfits, and a whiskey bar.

The organisers are still reaching out to businesses to purchase sponsored tables, as well as donation of goods or services for the auction.

Colleen is calling for local businesses to be as generous as they can to support the event by donating prizes and buying tickets.

'It has been a tough year for everyone, but particularly for our young people. We really want to wrap our arms around the kids and provide as much help as we can to fund counselling. Plus, it will be a fun night and a chance to dress up and party - we all need that too!”

Details

Masquerade Casino Night

August 26

Classic Flyers, 9 Jean Batten Drive, Mount Maunganui

Tickets: Ticket Fairy or see the event Facebook page.

Current ticket holders will be able to use their ticket to attend on the new date. If they are unable to do so and would like a refund, they can contact Ticket Fairy.

If for any reason the event doesn't go ahead, all tickets are fully refundable.