We are delighted to share the incredible success of our second Winter Warmer Homelessness Relief Fundraising Cabaret held on June 13, 2024. The evening was a heartfelt collection of community-minded individuals supporting the lives of those in the Byron and Tweed Shires who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Dharma Care is excited to announce that the SOLD OUT event has raised $18,126 in income and donations.
A total of $60,652 has been raised by 9 July 2024 for the campaign overall.
Hosted at the incredible Fins at Plantation House, we welcomed 220 guests on the night to experience an incredible lineup of talented performers and artists.
You can still purchase amazing SPACE COWBOY ARTWORK and, by mentioning Winter Warmer, 50% of the sale proceeds will be generously donated by the artist to this campaign.
Funds raised provide essential support and comfort to people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness, in the Byron and Tweed Shires during the cold winter months.
Through the generosity of attendees, sponsors and donors, we will be able to make a significant impact in the lives of those in our community who are the most vulnerable.
Our charity partners this year, who work on the front line delivering this support and material aid, included Fletcher Street Cottage, Murwillumbah Community Centre, Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre and Fred’s Place. They work tirelessly in our community to bring comfort and warmth to those who find themselves at risk of or experiencing homelessness this winter.
We are thrilled that the success of the Winter Warmer Fundraising Cabaret this year will contribute to their fantastic efforts!
Event Highlights
The Fundraising Cabaret saw the community spirit come alive! Beginning with a heartfelt welcome to country from Aunty Jackie, followed by a stunning performance from local indigenous dance group, the Kinship Doobai Dancers, the night was off to a flying start!
Artwork was on display by the talented Andia Cally and The Space Cowboy who generously donated pieces for the silent auction. Additionally, the audience were ‘wow’d’ by The Space Cowboys signature sword swallowing act.
Mandy Nolan’s comical delights as the MC had everyone in stitches before she hosted an impactful panel discussion with representatives from our charity partners. Their moving stories shed light on the very real and frightening reality of the lives of our most vulnerable community members. Answering questions from the audience, and breaking down the stereotypes around people who find themselves homeless, they also spoke passionately about the changing nature of homelessness and what we can do about it.
The evening was wrapped up with a Raffle of items generously donated by local businesses and then closed with a wonderful reggae performance by CC the Cat.
Culinary Delights
Incredible food and table service were provided by Fins at Plantation House with celebrity chef Steven ‘Snowy’ Snow cooking up a storm. Everyone was thrilled by the superb gourmet experience plated up by the team and served with fine wines. It was truly a gastronomic delight.
Huge Thanks
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended the event, supported us and helped to make the Winter Warmer 2024 Fundraising Cabaret such a success. We couldn’t have done it without the generosity of the sponsors, partners, local businesses and volunteers.
To Morgan, Snowy, Juliette and their team at Fins at Plantation House, Fins Restaurant, and Tropical Fruit World, thank you for providing such a fantastic venue, extraordinary food and excellent service. It was a seamless event and your dedication and expertise were key to our success. Thank you!
To the artists – Mandy Nolan, The Space Cowboy, CC the Cat, the Kinship Doobai Dancers, Andia Cally – your talent and brilliant performances made the night so special. A huge thank you to Aunty Jackie for a heartfelt welcome to country.
To our charity speakers – Louise O’Connell (Fletcher Street Cottage), Fiona Hunt (Murwillumbah Community Centre), Kim Kennedy (Fred’s Place) and Letitia Lucas (Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre) – you had the audience captivated with your touching stories. We are so grateful to partner with you.
We are also very grateful to our wonderful food and beverage sponsors – Rib & Roast, Yogi Nectar, Mezzanine Wines, Balter Beer and Azteca Margarita – we couldn’t have done this without your generous support. Our appreciation also goes to Cunning Stunts, Alsco Uniforms and Solo Resource Recovery.
Our sincerest gratitude also to Tweed Shire Council, Byron Shire Council, BayFM and Echo Publications for supporting this event. A very special thanks to North Coast Events for their production services, Mullumbimby Printworks, Mala Norris from Mala Snaps for capturing the essence of the night so brilliantly. Eli Samuelu for his eye-catching design work on the campaign material, and Livingston Armytage for the use of his photos from his book – “Homeless Hidden in Plain Sight”.
We also want to acknowledge and thank the businesses who so generously donated prizes for the silent auction and raffle. Crystal Castle, Happy Herbs, Repco Murwillumbah, SPELL Byron Bay, Brunswick Picture House, LM Fitness Brunswick Heads, Potager Restaurant Carool, Three Blue Ducks Byron Bay, IGA Murwillumbah, Husk Farm Distillery, Bistro Livi and Ruth Mackay. We are so grateful for your support.
Once again, thank you to everyone who attended, bought raffle tickets, bid on the silent auction, donated, volunteered, sponsored the event, and donated their time. Your generosity is so heart-warming. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of those who need it most in the Byron and Tweed Shires.
While the event has come to a close, the campaign is ongoing. There is still the opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation. If you haven’t had a chance to donate yet, or if you would like to continue supporting our cause, you can still give through the link below
Donate Now
https://www.givenow.com.au/winterwarmer
Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference and helps us make a positive impact in our community. Your continued support means the world to us. Together, we can create lasting change. Once again, thank you for your generosity, enthusiasm, and belief in the power of the community. We are truly grateful for each and every one of you.
Let’s keep the momentum going and make a real difference together!